Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the allocation of over Rs 84 billion for the province’s Easy Business Finance Scheme and more than Rs 48 billion for the Easy Business Card Scheme. These initiatives aim to support startups, small businesses, and self-employment opportunities across Punjab.
While launching the schemes, the Chief Minister described the Easy Business Finance Scheme as the largest of its kind in Punjab. She revealed that over Rs 36 billion in interest-free loans will be provided under the program, with loans of up to Rs 1 million each available to 30 million eligible beneficiaries. The loans will be repayable in easy monthly installments over five years.
The scheme is open to men, women, transgender individuals, and people with special needs aged between 25 and 55 who reside in Punjab. However, applicants must be active tax filers and not defaulters of any financial institution to qualify. Applications can be submitted online through the dedicated web portal at akf.punjab.gov.pk.
For the Easy Business Card Scheme, interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 million will also be offered to startups and small businesses. These loans will be repayable in monthly installments over three years. The Easy Business Card can be used to pay vendors for raw materials, government fees, taxes, and utility bills, with up to 25% of the loan amount available for cash withdrawal. Applications for the card can be submitted at akc.punjab.gov.pk.
A toll-free helpline, 1786, has been activated to guide applicants for both schemes. The Chief Minister emphasized that these initiatives are designed to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship among Punjab’s youth. “Providing employment opportunities after education is the government’s responsibility,” she said. “Through the Easy Business Finance Scheme, every youth in Punjab will play a role in improving the economy by increasing exports.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering individuals through these programs. She added that the schemes are expected to significantly contribute to the province’s economic development by supporting small businesses and startups.
