ISLAMABAD: On International Chefs Day, The Coca-Cola Foundation and CARE Pakistan Wednesday marked the successful completion of the Home Chefs Project, a two-year initiative that trained over 8,000 entrepreneurs across eight cities in Pakistan, out of which nearly 7,200 are women.
Implemented by CARE Pakistan with funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the project was designed to help aspiring and existing home chefs transform their culinary talent into sustainable business opportunities. Beyond strengthening culinary expertise, participants received practical training in financial management, digital marketing, business planning, e-commerce and customer engagement, equipping them with the skills needed to start, grow and manage successful food enterprises.
The project reached participants in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Karachi, Sialkot and Islamabad, helping expand access to entrepreneurship opportunities for women and aspiring business owners across Pakistan.
“At The Coca-Cola Foundation, we believe that thriving communities are built when communities have the opportunity to turn their talents into sustainable livelihoods,” said Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation. “That is why we support CARE Pakistan to invest in the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, by helping them strengthen the business, financial and digital skills needed to grow and sustain their enterprises. The Home Chefs Project is aimed at advancing economic opportunity and supporting local changemakers who help create lasting impact for their families and communities.”
The project concluded with a closing ceremony, bringing together participating home chefs, government representatives, development partners, industry stakeholders and employees from the Coca-Cola system. The event celebrated participant achievements showcased entrepreneurial success stories and highlighted the project’s contribution to women’s economic empowerment.
Distinguished guests included Saman Rai, Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of Punjab; Sami Wahid, Vice President, Pakistan & Afghanistan Region, The Coca-Cola Company; Sunay Sanli, General Manager, Coca-Cola çecek Pakistan; and representatives from CARE Pakistan.
“For women entrepreneurs, skills are only the beginning. Long-term success also depends on access to markets, financial literacy, networks and opportunities to grow,” said Saman Rai, Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of Punjab. “Initiatives like the Home Chefs Project help create an enabling environment where women can translate their talents into meaningful and sustainable economic participation.”
“Every successful enterprise starts with someone believing in their potential,” said Gull Sadia, Assistant Country Director, CARE Pakistan. “For many women, that journey begins in their home kitchens. By combining culinary training with practical business, financial and digital skills, this project has enabled women entrepreneurs to build confidence, strengthen their businesses and unlock new opportunities for growth.”
Among the entrepreneurs recognized at the event was Maria Onaas, founder of Bake My Day, who shared how the project helped transform her approach to running a business.
“Before joining the project, managing finances, branding and digital marketing felt overwhelming,” said Maria. “The training helped me organize my business more professionally, reach new customers and develop a clearer vision for future growth.”
The event also featured a marketplace showcasing products from participating Home Chefs, giving guests an opportunity to experience firsthand the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial talent fostered through the initiative.
The initiative demonstrates how targeted skills development, combined with entrepreneurial support, can help create pathways to economic empowerment and greater financial independence for women across Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026