Visa has partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) to launch the second edition of its global She’s Next initiative in the UAE.
She’s Next, empowered by Visa, is a global advocacy program that aims to support women-owned small businesses through funding, training and mentorship. From today and until June 23, 2023, women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in UAE can apply to She’s Next. One winner will receive a grant of USD50,000, a tailored training program, and access to She’s Next Club resources such as a workshop library and community of entrepreneurs.
Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, Visa, commented: “We’re proud to bring the second edition of our successful ‘She’s Next’ program to the UAE, in partnership with FAB.”
She’s Next is part of Visa’s efforts to support digitalization of women-owned businesses and features the launch of Visa’s first Women SMB Digitalization Index. The Index scores businesses based on 5 indicators: online presence, digital payments acceptance, payment security awareness, customer engagement, and customer retention. For the UAE, the index reveals women-owned businesses scored highest in digital marketing, online presence and customer engagement.
Gutieva added: “Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, such as limited access to capital, and dealing with stereotypes, which often complicate the already complex digitalization journey in today’s business landscape. The Women SMB Digitalization Index reinforces the critical importance of this shift, and showcases the progress made by UAE-based women-owned businesses in joining the digital economy.”
Sara Al Binali, Group Head of Corporate, Commercial, and International Banking at FAB, said: “As a bank that is value driven, strategically driven, and forward driven, FAB recognizes the essential role that SME’s and women will play in shaping the future for sustainable growth. Through our partnership with Visa, the She’s Next initiative is unlocking the potential of female entrepreneurs, and is already supporting capable, ambitious women in achieving their goals. We are very proud to continue our support for She’s Next, empowering talented women to take their businesses to the next level and creating new opportunities across our community.”
