IPDC Finance launches joyee corporate connect

IPDC Finance, in collaboration with the World Bank's We-Fi initiative, successfully hosted the 'Joyee Corporate Connect' on March 18-19, 2025.

The two-day fair was a dynamic platform connecting women entrepreneurs (WEs) with corporate buyers to drive supplier diversity, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable business practices. Strategically aligned with Women's Day and Independence Day, the initiative aimed to connect women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) with corporate clients, helping them grow sustainably. Women entrepreneurs showcased various products, including clothing, handicrafts, cosmetics, healthcare items, leather goods, tea, and eco-friendly products. Beyond the marketplace, Joyee, supported by its strategic partner- Shahin's Helpline, provided business support services to WSMEs, further enabling their financial inclusion. The event also gathered key stakeholders, including senior officials from SME Foundation, We-Fi's implementation partners CThree Sixty and Innovision, reinforcing a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event was attended by prominent local and multinational corporate entities alongside IPDC Finance PLC's advisory and strategic development partners. Md. Shahidullah, Managing Director of Metrocem Group, was present at the event, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive business ecosystem. He also encouraged other corporations to place bulk orders with WSMEs, supporting their sustainable growth.

IPDC Joyee set up an exclusive buyer-supplier meeting space to facilitate corporate orders further. This fosters direct business engagements between invited corporates and WSMEs. This initiative led to corporate orders and sparked discussions on long-term partnerships, driving sustainable growth opportunities.

Hosna Ferdous Sumi, Senior Private Sector Specialist at The World Bank, highlighted the significance of fostering inclusive economic growth, stating, "The World Bank proudly supports initiatives like Joyee Corporate Connect that empower women entrepreneurs and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals."

Nawshad Mustafa, Director (SMESPD) at Bangladesh Bank, emphasised the role of financial accessibility in women's empowerment: "Bangladesh Bank is dedicated to expanding financial access for women-led enterprises. I engaged with these SMEs and intend to order souvenirs for our upcoming events."

Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of the SME Foundation, remarked, "Supporting women entrepreneurs is crucial for job creation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable economic progress. The SME Foundation fully supports initiatives like Joyee Corporate Connect in driving this transformation."

Rizwan Dawood Shams, Managing Director of IPDC Finance, concluded, "Empowering women entrepreneurs is key to driving innovation and economic growth. At IPDC Finance, we take pride in championing initiatives that enable their long-term success."

Through this initiative, IPDC Finance reaffirms its commitment to promoting women-led enterprises and fostering economic inclusivity in Bangladesh.