Women entrepreneurs across Kenya continue to shape the country’s economic landscape, running enterprises that create jobs, improve household incomes and drive innovation at the grassroots.
Yet, for many start-ups, access to timely and affordable financing remains one of the biggest barriers to turning promising ideas into sustainable businesses.
It is within this reality that Equity Bank’s Shaba loan product has steadily positioned itself as a practical financial solution tailored for women-owned start-ups, particularly those still in their early stages of establishment.
Unlike traditional lending models that may require lengthy processes and extensive collateral, Shaba has been designed to respond to the urgent financing needs of businesses that have been operational for less than 12 months.
The product provides women entrepreneurs with access to instant mobile loans ranging from as low as Sh100 to Sh3 million, accessible conveniently through the Equitel line, the Equity Mobile App, or via USSD 247#.
Beyond quick loans, Shaba also offers structured financial support for women seeking to scale. Entrepreneurs can access tailored business loans of up to Sh10 million, backed through a 100 per cent cash guarantee provided by individuals, such as family members or friends.
For businesses dealing with procurement and supply contracts, Shaba also offers up to 80 percent LPO financing, giving entrepreneurs the capacity to fulfil large orders without straining cash flow.
The beauty about Shaba is that it’s not solely built around credit access. The product has evolved into a broader support package that combines financing with lifestyle and business-enabling services aimed at strengthening entrepreneurs over the long term.
Subscribers can access an affordable health cover for themselves and their families from as low as Sh5,800 per year, offering an added safety net that many small business owners often overlook.
In addition, users access debit card services, including the Equity card, Mastercard or Visa Classic, accepted both locally and internationally, enabling seamless payments.
The product also opens doors to credit card services, including the Equity American Express Green credit card or Visa Classic credit card, with limits of up to Sh300,000.
With the rise of digital commerce and cross-border business, Shaba-linked accounts can also be connected to PayPal, allowing entrepreneurs to withdraw PayPal funds directly into their Equity accounts.
This is particularly beneficial for women in online business, freelancing, and service-based enterprises serving global markets.
Equity Bank has further strengthened the offering by providing women entrepreneurs with free payment collection options through the One Equity Till Number, enabling businesses to receive payments from mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa, Airtel, and other banks at no cost.
This not only reduces transaction expenses but also enhances transparency and record-keeping, which are essential for business growth and loan qualification.
Equally significant is the non-financial support attached to the product. Women enrolled under Shaba can access business and entrepreneurship training, mentorship and networking opportunities, and exposure to top performers across key sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and other high-impact industries.
For many women entrepreneurs, Shaba represents more than a loan facility. It offers a structured path to grow from a micro start-up into a more stable and scalable enterprise, with the possibility of “graduating” to higher levels of financing and business support as operations expand.
Women startups interested in joining Equity Bank’s community of empowered women and unlock tailored financial solutions can do so online via the lender’s Fanikisha portal, or visit the nearest Equity Bank branch countrywide.
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