Women entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan today is not just a strong trend but a key factor of economic growth and social stability. According to official statistics as of December 2025, the country has registered more than 1 million women leaders in small and medium enterprises, accounting for 48.1% of total SMEs. These figures clearly show that women play a system-forming role in the development of Kazakhstan's entrepreneurial environment, reported Nurbank.
The highest concentration of women's businesses is in trade, including online formats and marketplaces, service sectors — from household and educational to medical services, beauty industry, as well as social entrepreneurship and creative industries. These sectors form a significant part of domestic demand, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable regional development.
Recognizing the strategic importance of women's entrepreneurship, Nurbank consistently implements initiatives aimed at expanding women's entrepreneurs' access to financial tools and creating more flexible and beneficial business conditions.
Increased deposit rates for women entrepreneurs
Until May 1, 2026, Nurbank offers women entrepreneurs an additional 2% on the reward rate for specific deposits on newly opened accounts for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs for up to 12 months.
This measure not only allows effective placement of temporarily free funds but also forms a financial safety cushion — a factor particularly important in a changing economic climate.
"Business Kanym" Program: Accessible Financing for Business Development
An essential part of Nurbank’s product line is the "Business Kanym" lending program, designed according to the specifics and needs of women's entrepreneurship.
The program targets active women entrepreneurs and provides financing for working capital, investment goals, and refinancing existing loans. The key benefit is an attractive reward rate.
Key Terms of the "BUSINESS KANYM" Program
Program Participants:
micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Loan Amount:
up to 100 million tenge.
Collateral:
at least 50% — real estate;
up to 50% — movable property;
cash pledged in a savings account;
guarantee of the "Damu" Fund if collateral coverage is insufficient.
Client Segmentation:
The program is focused on women entrepreneurs operating as an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity, subject to one of the following conditions:
women’s participation in the charter capital of an LLP is at least 51%;
at least 51% of the voting shares of a JSC are owned by a woman (women);
a woman has been the first head of a legal entity for at least one year.
Program Features:
reduced collateral requirements;
reduced reward rate;
flexible terms focusing on long-term business development.
The "Business Kanym" program reflects Nurbank's strategic approach to developing women entrepreneurship as a sustainable, socially significant, and promising economic segment. Supporting women in business is an investment not only in individual projects but also a contribution to the country's stable economic development.
Nurbank continues to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, creating financial solutions that address real business needs and foster growth.
"Women's entrepreneurship is not just numbers in statistics. It is the courage to start, responsibility for teams and families, the ability to find opportunities even in the most challenging conditions. Today, women form almost half of the nation's SMEs, and behind each figure, there is a real story of diligence, perseverance, and faith in their endeavor.
At Nurbank, we genuinely believe that supporting women in business is an investment in the sustainable future of Kazakhstan's economy. That is why we create financial solutions that give women entrepreneurs more confidence, freedom, and opportunities for growth. Programs with increased deposit rates and reduced credit rates under the "Business Kanym" umbrella make our contribution to developing a strong, competitive, and sustainable business founded by women," commented Nurbank's Board Chair, Gulnara Musataeva.