United Finance has disbursed its first startup loan under the Bangladesh Bank Special Startup Refinancing Scheme, marking a major step forward in supporting early‑stage entrepreneurs and accelerating financial inclusion in Bangladesh. The inaugural cheque was handed over to AponTech, a leading social enterprise and fintech startup founded in 2017, known for its innovative ‘phygital’ platform that enhances financial access, affordability, and real income for underserved communities.
Under this refinancing scheme, eligible startups can avail financing at a preferential 4% interest rate, enabling them to scale impactful solutions with greater ease and sustainability.
The cheque handover ceremony was attended by Nawshad Mustafa, Director, SME & Special Programmes Department, Bangladesh Bank, as Chief Guest, and Hafia Tazrean, Additional Director of the same department, as Special Guest. Yasir Arafat, Co‑Founder and COO of AponTech, received the cheque on behalf of the organization. The event was chaired by Mohammed Abul Ahsan, Acting Managing Director of United Finance, along with members of the company’s senior management team.
In his remarks, Chief Guest Nawshad Mustafa highlighted Bangladesh Bank’s continued commitment to strengthening the CMSME and startup ecosystem through targeted refinancing schemes. He emphasized the vital role of startups in driving high‑impact, problem‑solving businesses that contribute to national economic growth and job creation. He appreciated United Finance for coming forward with its startup loan product, URise, and congratulated AponTech on their inspiring journey and contribution to inclusive development. He also urged all stakeholders to work toward qualitative improvements in the country’s startup ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Abul Ahsan, Acting Managing Director of United Finance, expressed his gratitude to the central bank for its forward‑looking initiatives to empower marginalized entrepreneurs. “We are committed to offering our products and services to the CMSMEs of the country. As a leading partner of Bangladesh Bank’s special schemes, we understand the impact these initiatives are creating, and vow to continue our pursuit to successfully implement them. I also thank AponTech for its inspiring journey, they are true agents of impact and change,” he said.
Yasir Arafat, Co‑Founder and COO of AponTech, delivered an inspiring presentation on the company’s journey and shared his vision to expand operations beyond Bangladesh to serve NRBs residing in the Middle East in the near future.
With a legacy of service since 1989, United Finance is one of Bangladesh’s leading financial institutions, operating through 23 branches nationwide. The company’s mobile app, UMA, is the only NBFI‑led mobile application in the country, playing a transformative role in driving digital adoption in financial services. United Finance remains a passionate advocate of CMSME financing and a committed partner in implementing Bangladesh Bank’s refinancing schemes.
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