United Finance has disbursed its first startup loan under Bangladesh Bank’s Special Startup Refinancing Scheme, marking a step to support early-stage entrepreneurs and expand financial inclusion, the company said in a press release on Thursday.
The inaugural cheque was handed over to fintech startup AponTech, a social enterprise founded in 2017, which operates a ‘phygital’ platform aimed at improving financial access, affordability and real income for underserved communities.
Under the scheme, eligible startups can access financing at a preferential 4 per cent interest rate to scale solutions with greater sustainability.
The cheque handover ceremony was attended by Bangladesh Bank Director of SME and Special Programmes Department Nawshad Mustafa as chief guest and Bangladesh Bank Additional Director of SME and Special Programmes Department Hafia Tazrean as special guest.
AponTech Co-Founder and COO Yasir Arafat received the cheque on behalf of the company.
United Finance Acting Managing Director Mohammed Abul Ahsan chaired the event alongside senior officials.
Strengthening the CMSME and startup ecosystem remains a priority through targeted refinancing schemes, said Bangladesh Bank Director of SME and Special Programmes Department Nawshad Mustafa.
Startups play a vital role in building problem-solving businesses that support economic growth and job creation, he added.
He appreciated United Finance for launching its startup loan product URise and congratulated AponTech for its contribution to inclusive development.
Qualitative improvements across the startup ecosystem are needed, he further said.
“We are committed to offering our products and services to the CMSMEs of the country,” said United Finance Acting Managing Director Mohammed Abul Ahsan.
“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,” he added.
“I also thank AponTech for its inspiring journey, they are true agents of impact and change,” he said.
AponTech plans to expand operations beyond Bangladesh to serve non-resident Bangladeshis in the Middle East, said AponTech Co-Founder and COO Yasir Arafat.
Founded in 1989, United Finance operates through 23 branches nationwide.
Its mobile app UMA is the only non-bank financial institution-led mobile application in the country, supporting digital adoption in financial services.
The company continues to focus on CMSME financing and remains a partner in implementing Bangladesh Bank refinancing schemes.
