OCBC to empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs by 2030

In a region where women-owned businesses are a critical driver of economic growth, OCBC Bank has launched a significant initiative aimed at closing the persistent gap in access to financing. The bank’s goal is to provide social loans to 10,000 women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia by 2030. This ambitious target is a direct response to data revealing that female entrepreneurs, despite their increasing prominence, often face unique challenges in scaling their businesses.

OCBC’s initiative is built on a solid understanding of the market. According to the bank’s own data, women-owned SMEs in Singapore typically experience sales turnover growth that is about 30% lower than their male-owned counterparts in the first three years of operation. This disparity is often linked to a reluctance among women to take on loans early in their business’s development. The bank’s “Women Unlimited” program, however, has already shown that access to targeted financing can help bridge this gap.

The program is tailored to the specific needs of each market it serves. In Singapore, the OCBC Women Unlimited programme, launched in April 2024, offers financing of up to S$100,000 for early-stage businesses (within their first two years of incorporation) and waives processing fees to remove barriers to entry. In Indonesia, the “Women Warriors” program has been active since 2020 and has already supported thousands of entrepreneurs with loans and resources. The program was also expanded to Malaysia and Hong Kong in 2025, offering solutions that include collateral-free loans. This market-specific support reflects a broader understanding of the diverse needs of women entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia.

OCBC’s commitment goes beyond simply providing loans. The Women Unlimited program is built on three key pillars:

• Empower: Providing networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs expand their connections both locally and regionally.
• Enable: Equipping women with the resources and financial expertise needed to grow their businesses.
• Engage: Fostering a supportive community where women can openly share knowledge and experiences.

The program also facilitates cross-border events and business-matching trips, which are crucial for regional expansion, a key goal for many of these businesses.

The impact of this initiative is already evident in the success stories of participating businesses. Jlynn Chen, founder of The Powder Shampoo, used a loan from the program to expand into the Philippines, with projections to double her customer base by the end of 2025. Similarly, Yasmin Sim, co-founder of The Plattering Co, used the financing to build a halal-certified central kitchen, which is expected to help the company triple its revenue by 2027. These examples underscore how access to capital, mentorship, and a supportive network can empower women to scale their businesses and achieve their ambitions.

The program is a powerful example of how a bank can use its resources to drive social and economic change. By focusing on women-led SMEs, OCBC is not only tapping into a high-potential market but is also contributing to a more inclusive and resilient economy. The bank’s commitment to providing targeted support—from tailored financing solutions to educational workshops and community-building initiatives—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to empowering women and ensuring their success in the entrepreneurial landscape.