Ma'an Social Incubator Launches In Abu Dhabi With Over $500,000 To Support 10 Startups Per Cycle

The first initiative of its kind in the Emirati capital, Ma’an Social Incubator has just kicked off at an event at Zayed Higher Organisation. Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, announced the theme for this first cycle would be focused on developing solutions for challenges faced by people of determination.

"At Ma’an our mission is to make a social impact in Abu Dhabi, encouraging the growth of the third sector and making a positive difference in the lives of our residents," says Al Ameemi. “The Ma’an Social Incubator is our first programme and one that will see 10 new social enterprises established in Abu Dhabi every six months. We are looking for talented, enthusiastic, creative and driven people with ideas that are unique, impactful and sustainable."

The Ma’an Social Incubator will offer social entrepreneurs the chance to grow their business ideas into a social enterprise or not-for-profit association that will make a positive impact on the lives of Abu Dhabi residents. Each year, Ma’an will run two six-month cycles, nurturing 10 social startups in each cycle through offering milestone funding, mentorship, office space, business expertise and access to investors.

More than AED 2 million (more than $500,000) of support will be available to support these social entrepreneurs in each cycle, with the aim of encouraging more not-for-profits associations and social enterprises that contribute towards the common good.

“Our focus is on incubating ventures that make a big social impact. Whether it is, for example, an idea for a braille smartphone or a business that employs people of determination, the Ma’an Social Incubator can help you to make that idea a reality,” Al Ameemi adds.

Applications open May 22nd  and close on June 13th, with the programme open to teams of two to three people whose innovative and original ideas are in the early stages of development. Successful applicants will be supported by the business development expertise of Deloitte and provided with an experienced mentor who will offer their time, expertise and guidance in helping the teams to bring their idea to fruition.

Shortlisted teams will get access to workshops and training programmes to sharpen their business skills and understand more about the particular social challenge of each cycle, such as understanding more about the lives of people of determination.

The programme offers networking opportunities for the teams to build relationships with individuals outside of the programme, including investors, third sector leaders and regional and global industry figures. Ma’an will organise "pitch days" for the 10 teams to be able to leverage funding from investors.

Each team will be eligible to receive milestone funding of up to AED 100,000, released at every successful milestone the participant reaches as well as support for living expenses and housing costs for participants not based in Abu Dhabi. Applicants must be 18 and over and live in - or be willing to relocate to - Abu Dhabi.

For more information or to apply visit maan.gov.ae/.