LAHORE: The Coca-Cola Foundation and CARE Pakistan have completed a two-year initiative that trained more than 8,000 entrepreneurs, including nearly 7,200 women, in eight cities across Pakistan to help them turn their culinary skills into sustainable business opportunities.
The project named “Home Chefs” concluded with a closing ceremony in Lahore, bringing together participating home chefs, government representatives, development partners, industry stakeholders and employees from the Coca-Cola system.
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 hands-on 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. 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,” said the Coca-Cola Foundation President Carlos Pagoaga.
He said 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 event celebrated participant achievements showcased entrepreneurial success stories and highlighted the project’s contribution to women’s economic empowerment.
“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 Secretary, Women Development Department of Punjab Government Saman Rai, adding that initiatives like the Home Chefs Project help create an enabling environment where women can translate their talents into meaningful and sustainable economic participation.
CARE Pakistan Assistant Country Director Gull Sadia said every successful enterprise starts with someone believing in their potential. She added 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,” she added.
Among the entrepreneurs recognised 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 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.
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.
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 İçecek Pakistan; and representatives from CARE Pakistan.
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