Digital connectivity has transformed entrepreneurship for women in Bangladesh. Once limited to physical marketplaces, women are now leveraging virtual platforms to establish businesses, access financial resources, and overcome socio-economic barriers. What started as simple networking spaces has evolved into thriving ecosystems for female entrepreneurs.

For Jannati Shahid Asha, an online clothing business owner from Satkhira, social media has been a crucial tool. "Facebook has been an incredible platform for small businesses like mine. It allows me to engage with customers directly and showcase my products without needing a physical store," she explains. "But competition is intense. Every day, new businesses pop up, and standing out has become increasingly difficult."

Sangita Ahmed, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), highlights the impact of digital empowerment. "Virtual platforms can be game-changers. Online marketplaces, digital financial services, and business networks enable women to bypass traditional barriers. These platforms offer visibility, market access, and easier financial transactions. Additionally, digital training programs can equip women with the skills they need to thrive."

Arifa Malik Bristy, the founder of Cookie Craft BD, uses social media to grow her brand. "I focus on visually appealing content—high-quality images and videos of the baking process. Instagram and Facebook work best for engagement, but I'm still learning to optimise reach," she shares. "SEO-optimised captions, relevant hashtags, and reels help, but digital marketing is complex."

Beyond visibility, virtual platforms help women expand markets and boost sales. Waresa Khanam Prity of Her-e-Tread acknowledges the importance of outreach. "We aim to support at least 100 women entrepreneurs in divisional cities, but quality control and sustainable business models remain key challenges," she notes.

However, barriers remain, especially in financing. Women still struggle to access business loans due to complex banking procedures and collateral requirements. Societal pressures further complicate matters. "Families often question why women should step out for business, and mobility restrictions make things harder," Prity adds.

Recognising these hurdles, Bangladesh Bank introduced the Small Enterprise Refinance Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs in 2023, offering loans at a 1% incentive rate with a 5% interest cap. While this initiative makes financing more accessible, it does not eliminate all challenges.

"The algorithm keeps changing, and paid promotions are expensive," Asha points out. "Even if I have a good product, I must invest constantly in ads to stay visible. It's frustrating because not everyone can afford digital marketing."

For long-term success, systemic support is necessary. Ahmed stresses, "We need policy reforms, financial inclusion, skill development, and digital empowerment. If all these elements align, women-led businesses will thrive."

Advocacy groups are pushing for policies prioritising female entrepreneurs, streamlining loan access, and enhancing cybersecurity for digital businesses. More tailored workshops on branding, social media marketing, and e-commerce logistics are needed.

Government and private sector collaboration is crucial to providing low-interest loans and business grants, ensuring that women entrepreneurs continue to grow in Bangladesh's evolving digital economy.