Visa today announced the launch of its global She’s Next initiative in UAE to economically empower local women entrepreneurs. The initiative is launched in partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, and the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC). She’s Next empowered by Visa is a global advocacy program that brings practical insights and tools to small businesses, including networking, mentoring and funding opportunities.
Since 2020, Visa has invested +$2.2M in over 200 grants and coaching for women SMB owners through the She’s Next grant program globally including in US, Canada, India and Ireland.
Women business owners across UAE can join She’s Next and apply for funding and access peer networks and educational resources that help address the challenges revealed in a recent Visa study of women entrepreneurs.
The areas female entrepreneurs said they most wanted to learn more about were how to better set goals for profitability of their businesses, how to develop stronger strategies, and ways to survive the continuing impact of COVID-19. The She’s Next initiative includes a series of mentoring programs that provide women entrepreneurs with access to practical insights from women leaders in the public and private sectors, as well as valuable tools and educational resources they need to grow and develop their businesses.
She’s Next, empowered by Visa, will also deliver significant networking opportunities in partnership with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), a leading platform for personal and professional development for business women in the Emirate of Dubai.
Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC, Visa, commented: “Women who own and manage businesses face a unique set of challenges including access to capital and peer networks as well as societal pressures. That’s why we’re excited to help women business-owners across UAE today through the first She’s Next grant program and offer access to coaching and support through IFundWomen as well as that injection of USD10,000 in capital. We are also honored to be partnering with FAB and DBWC, who will help us in our mission to not only empower women entrepreneurs, but also create for them a supportive environment in which they can grow and thrive.”
Women entrepreneurs in the UAE from all industries and sectors are invited to participate in the Visa She’s Next Grant Program. The winner will receive one of five $10,000 grants, a one-year IFundWomen coaching membership, and access to resources such as the workshop library and community of entrepreneurs. Applications are open now through July 20, 2022.
