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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29405, member: 2262"] Equity Bank met with hundreds of small women business owners from Busoga today in Iganga town. They came together as part of the second round of their "Abakyala ku Ntiiko" program. The bank teaches women about money management, accounting, and keeping good records. It also helps these women access loans to grow their small businesses. The bank started this program back in March 2024. Since then, many women running tiny shops and businesses across the country have learned better ways to handle money. Equity Bank offers these women business advice and banking help. At the Iganga event, women from many different types of work learned how to manage cash better, find financial support, and expand what they sell. Ruth Nakaima, Deputy Speaker of Iganga Municipality, praised Equity Bank for helping local women succeed. She believes the program will improve many female-led businesses. Nakaima said the bank has already transformed lives through skills training and money education, building up women's confidence to try new business ideas. Ronald Nakhasanga from Equity bank explained they created special loans just for women. These include Equi Mama business loans, school fees loans, youth loans, and money for savings groups. He said their goal works well because they give people dignity and chances to build wealth. Nakhasanga added that bringing women together shows them they form the foundation of their nation. Barbara Namata works at Equity Bank as a Relationship Supervisor. She described several loan types anyone over 18 can use. Their programs cover land buying up to 70 percent of the cost. Vehicle purchases need only a 30 percent down payment. Special farm credit exists for agricultural needs. Young business owners can join groups to finance motorcycle purchases or access up to 40 million Ugandan shillings for established businesses. Women older than 36 who belong to registered groups can receive Equi Maama loans without needing property as security. The SACCO loan helps groups become bigger. The bank also offers EquiGreen funding for businesses that help protect nature. During the event, many women shared stories about how better money skills helped them succeed and grow their shops. Some women who used to run very small informal businesses have taken loans to buy more products to sell. Others use digital banking on phones to track money and save for future business needs. The event lets women connect, share ideas, and find ways they might work together on new projects. The "Abakyala ku Ntiiko" program continues with upcoming events in Lira, up north, on March 25th and then moves to Kiboga, in central Uganda, on March 28th. Equity Bank plans to reach women across different regions of the country through these educational meetings. [/QUOTE]

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