The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has extended the deadline till 13 July in response to the growing interest in its Ma’an Social Incubator Program (MSI) from members of the public and social entrepreneurs in the UAE, the region and the rest of the world.
Already it has received more than 200 expressions of interest from members of the public and social entrepreneurs from different countries ranging as far as New Zealand all the way through to India, UK, USA and South America
The Ma’an Social Incubator is a first-of-its-kind program in Abu Dhabi, offering a unique chance for people to develop their innovative ideas for social impact into a social enterprise or not-for-profit association.
A public workshop will be held in Abu Dhabi this month to give people advice and support on the application process and the deadline to apply has been extended to accommodate this workshop and the increasing interest from social entrepreneurs.
Ma’an has been contacted by people from all different walks of life including experienced social entrepreneurs, university graduates and community members in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and internationally.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to answer any questions people may have about the application program or the incubator itself.
Launched in May, the Ma’an Social Incubator will support the winning 10 teams of two or three people to develop their social business ideas every six-months. The winning teams are selected according to specific criteria, and the participants will be able to benefit from mentor guidance, milestone funding, office space, business expertise and access to investors. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network with industry experts as well as honing their business skills through workshops and training programs.
The first cycle – which will begin this summer – is focused specifically on creating life-changing products or services that will benefit the everyday lives of people of determination.
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “As our first pilot program, it has been really exciting to see the interest and enthusiasm from members of the community for the Ma’an Social Incubator.
“We realise though that the concept of social enterprises is still quite new here in Abu Dhabi and for some people this will be their first time applying to a social incubator program. That is why we want to extend the deadline to give people more time and to offer additional support and advice with the application process through a public workshop hosted by Ma’an.
“The Ma’an Social Incubator is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring social entrepreneurs to make that first step towards growing a successful and sustainable business that contributes towards the common good.”
The deadline to register for Ma’an Social Incubator has been extended from 13 June to 13 July 2019. Applicants must be 18 and over and live in – or be willing to relocate to – Abu Dhabi. Applicants must be committed to developing their social business through the incubator over a period of six months, with the social venture established in and serve the Abu Dhabi community.
The public workshop will be held later this month. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet business development experts as well as Ma’an employees who can provide advice on the application process.
For more information on the public workshop and the Ma’an Social, please visit maan.gov.ae/.
