Community Bank Bangladesh PLC has launched Startup Nest, a bank-led accelerator designed to help early-stage businesses grow faster by offering more than loans. The program was unveiled during the bank’s sixth anniversary celebration in Dhaka and was formally opened by the bank’s chairman in front of guests, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Startup Nest aims to plug startups into the bank’s systems so they can open accounts quickly, use payment and collection services, and connect to the bank’s digital APIs and fintech tools. The program will provide training in financial management, regulatory compliance and core operational skills delivered by experienced trainers from within the bank. In addition to practical banking help, participants will receive mentorship, market connections and chances to meet the bank’s corporate and SME clients so they can find customers and partners early on. These links to established clients are meant to reduce the time new companies need to test products and build trust with buyers. The bank said Startup Nest will use workshops, hands-on support and technical sessions so selected startups can pilot payment integrations and learn how to scale operations. Organisers described the accelerator as a longer term effort, not a short prize, and said it aims to build an ecosystem where finance, advice and markets work together for lasting growth. For founders, the program offers tools to simplify payments, clearer guidance on regulations, and help to design pilots with established firms that can lead to real contracts. For the wider economy, the initiative could speed product testing, create jobs and strengthen confidence among investors and partners who look for tested teams. Community Bank’s management said the move reflects a broader view of a bank’s role as an active enabler of innovation rather than only a lender. The bank stressed that embedding startups inside its operational systems will lower practical barriers, saving time and energy for small teams that must focus on product development. Even though full details about selection and timing were not all shared at the launch, the bank said it will work with entrepreneurs and industry leaders to refine the program. Startup Nest joins other public and private efforts that support entrepreneurs and shows how financial institutions can play a direct role in building a stronger business community. By combining banking access, training and market connections, the accelerator aims to help more local startups move from idea to sustainable business paths and growth. The launch also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between banks, investors and service providers to build services that match the needs of young companies. Organisers said they plan to measure progress through pilot projects, client links and the number of startups that reach stable revenue and larger customer lists. The initiative is presented as a practical step to make the startup journey easier and to encourage inclusive growth in the country’s entrepreneurship scene.
