U.S. Mission to UAE Launches Open Applications for ‘AWE UAE 3.0 – Women in Business’ initiative

StartAD, an Abu Dhabi accelerator supported by Tamkeen and based at NYU Abu Dhabi in partnership with the US Mission to the UAE, has opened applications for the third edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme 3.0 titled “AWE UAE” – Women in Business”.

The program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State to provide women entrepreneurs in more than 80 countries around the world with the knowledge, networks and access they need to start and scale successful businesses.

Applications open on September 19 and close on November 29. The three-month programme will enable women-owned SMEs in the UAE to identify and analyse new channels, markets and customers.

It will also strengthen operational business pillars that these businesses may not have the resources or experience to build, focusing on business resilience, adaptability and identifying growth opportunities.

Starting December 13, the program will include workshops, mentoring and one-on-one mentoring from experienced business strategists, innovation experts and mentors. It will culminate on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2023, where finalists will showcase their achievements and businesses to project partners and key stakeholders in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.

Robin Solomon, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in the UAE, said: “The U.S. Mission in the UAE is proud to partner with startAD to promote the third Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in the UAE. Since 2020, startAD has supported the 44 Emirati women entrepreneurs and innovation leaders, giving them the tools and confidence they need to launch and scale successful businesses. By helping them tackle the specific challenges they face in running a business, awe is helping women participate more fully and contribute to the local and global economy.We look forward to welcoming the new batch awe participants in the UAE and continue to work with UAE organisations such as startAD to promote women’s economic empowerment. “

Hana Barakat, Senior Associate Director at startAD, added: “The SME sector accounts for more than 94% of the number of companies operating in the country, with 48% of SMEs owned by women. Recognizing the enormous contribution women entrepreneurs make to the economy, awe The UAE provides women-owned businesses with the skills, tools and networks to focus on their business resilience so they can thrive.

“AWE UAE will provide access to experts to gain new insights into local and global markets and networking opportunities, enabling them to connect with potential partners, new customer channels and potential investors. Graduates will come with an action plan Leave this program and help them reshape their business through guided learning and execution.”

first two versions AWE United Arab Emirates Incubated 21 businesses, established partnerships and internships in areas such as retail, construction and healthcare services. Two of the participating businesses have entered into commercial agreements with major Abu Dhabi-based companies, while others have expanded their operations in markets such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The programme is open to female UAE nationals or long-term residents aged 20 to 55 who are owners of VAT registered small businesses, or SME leaders influencing strategic decisions.