.jpeg)
Dhaka, June 2, 2025 – Good news for the country's young and promising entrepreneurs! The government is planning to create a special fund of Tk 100 crore to support their startup initiatives. From this fund, young entrepreneurs working on new business ideas will be provided with easy-to-use loans and investment facilities, which aims to encourage innovative and employment-generating initiatives in the country. This information has been revealed by the Ministry of Finance.
Finance Ministry officials have said that this fund may be included in the budget for the new fiscal year (2025-26). The 'National Startup Board' formed under the Prime Minister's Office will be responsible for managing this fund. The main objective of this board is to strengthen the country's startup ecosystem and help the youth turn their innovative ideas into reality.
Several important objectives are working behind this government move:
1. Encouragement of innovation and technology: To encourage science-based and technology-dependent new business ideas among the country's youth. Through this, a new trend will be created in the country's economic structure centered on innovation.
2. Job Creation: Startups generally create new jobs. This fund will help young entrepreneurs expand their businesses, which will indirectly contribute to reducing unemployment in the country.
3. Removing Financial Barriers: The biggest challenge for new entrepreneurs is raising initial capital. This fund will ensure easy access to credit for them and remove financial barriers by creating investment opportunities.
4. Increasing Self-Reliance: To make the youth self-reliant by increasing their tendency to become entrepreneurs and ensuring their active participation in the country's economic growth.
How will this fund work?
Initially, eligible startups will be financed from this fund through low-interest loans and equity investments. A specific policy is being prepared for the use of the fund, which will have detailed guidelines on startup selection criteria, loan terms and conditions, and the investment process. Members of the National Startup Board will evaluate the proposals of various startups and decide on funding.
Earlier, the government has also taken various initiatives for startups. A state-owned venture capital company called 'Startup Bangladesh Limited' was formed in 2019 to provide investment facilities to startups. The new fund of Tk 100 crore is expected to further accelerate those initiatives.
Experts say that such a fund will further strengthen the country's startup sector and can also attract international investors. However, it is important to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the fund so that truly qualified entrepreneurs benefit from this facility.
