Hamroh, UNDP, and The Coca-Cola foundation hold Award Ceremony for first-phase winners of the WESP Program
Winners of the first phase of the WESP Program recognized
Hamroh, UNDP, and The Coca-Cola foundation recognize the first cohort of WESP Program winners
Tashkent, March 4, 2026, Hilton Tashkent City – Hamroh Company, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan, and The Coca-Cola Foundation held an award ceremony honoring the 20 winners of the first phase of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (WESP), an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs across Uzbekistan.
Photo: Hamroh – Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Company
The event marked a natural continuation of the strategic trilateral partnership announced in December 2025 and showcased the first tangible outcomes of the collaboration.
Opening remarks were delivered by Nozimakhon Davletova, Consultant to the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Coordinator of the Human Capital Development Project Office, and Member of the Hamroh Supervisory Board; Gulnora Rakhimova, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Kazumasa Mukae, General Director of The Coca-Cola Company in Uzbekistan; and Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan. The speakers emphasized that expanding women’s access to financial instruments and institutional support is essential for unlocking their economic potential and ensuring the country’s sustainable development.
Photo: Hamroh – Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Company
As part of the first phase of the program, each of the 20 winners will receive a grant of USD 5,000. The total funding allocated under this phase amounts to up to USD 100,000. The grants will be used to purchase equipment necessary for business development and expansion.
The grant support is the result of a comprehensive capacity-building process implemented under the WESP program. The initiative included educational modules, advisory support, and assistance in developing business projects. Participants received training, strengthened their entrepreneurial skills, and presented their business initiatives through a competitive selection process.
The program provides for a two-stage grant support mechanism, creating additional opportunities for women entrepreneurs across different regions of the country.
As part of the ceremony, a short social film titled “Supporting Women’s Entrepreneurship” was screened. The film was produced with the support of Hamroh, UNDP Uzbekistan, and The Coca-Cola Foundation. It highlights the important role of family support in the success of women entrepreneurs. Through interviews with the husbands, fathers, and sons of WESP participants, the film demonstrates how the encouragement and support of family members contribute to business sustainability and strengthen women’s confidence in their entrepreneurial journey.
The film screening was dedicated to International Women’s Day on March 8 and served as a tribute to the invaluable contribution women make to the development of the economy and society.
Quotes
“In December, we announced the launch of this strategic partnership, and today we are already witnessing its tangible results. These 20 winners clearly demonstrate that when women have access to systematic support, knowledge, and financial resources, they can confidently grow and expand their businesses. Our goal is to ensure that such opportunities reach as many women across the country as possible.”— Dilfuza Nurmatova, Chief Executive Officer of Hamroh
Background Information
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (WESP) is a Hamroh initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The program strengthens women-led enterprises and expands economic opportunities for women throughout the country through acceleration programs, training courses, and other capacity-building initiatives. More information is available at: https://go.undp.org/iYB
Hamroh is the first company in Uzbekistan to provide women entrepreneurs with free training programs, mentorship, and advisory services, while also facilitating access to preferential financing on transparent terms.
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. It supports initiatives focused on sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and strengthening local communities around the world.
