With a 41% decrease in funding for MENA startups this year, the odds may feel stacked against entrepreneurs launching a new business, but they are not. It just means doing a little more homework. Opportunities are still massive.
This blog shares a list of fabulous UAE programs, various competitions offering prize money for entrepreneurs, as well as popular entrepreneur events, including Expand North Star. Each opportunity has specific requirements, deadlines and links are provided so you can apply.
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The Zayed Sustainability Prize
For entrepreneurs anywhere around the globe, this is a great opportunity. Since 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has been empowering global change makers, recognizing their innovative sustainability solutions and amplifying their transformative impact.
The total prize fund is US$5.9 million, distributed as follows:
Health US $1,000,000
Food US $1,000,000
Energy US $1,000,000
Water US $1,000,000
Climate Action US $1,000,000
Global High Schools US $900,000
For more information and to apply 👇
Expand North Star
Expand North Star is a landmark event in the tech world. The fusion of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star offers a platform for showcasing innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and shaping the future of technology.
Entrepreneurs can benefit by showcasing their innovations, meeting potential investors, and networking with industry leaders and fellow entrepreneurs from around the world. For the 2024 cohort, Expand North Star will present 100 global scale-ups from around the globe to join the 2024 Cohort in Dubai.
The platform presents a great opportunity for international entrepreneurs eyeing an expansion to the UAE and GCC region or planning on launching a new business there. Submit your application by filling out the form below. Be sure to provide comprehensive details about your venture, including your sector, funding history, and what sets you apart from the competition.
The Authority of Social Contribution
For entrepreneurs located in Abu Dhabi, this is a great opportunity. Ma'an empowers third sector of nonprofits, social enterprises, and volunteer groups through extensive, sustainable and innovative funding programs, aimed at addressing social priorities in Abu Dhabi.
For more information 👇
Aljalila Foundation
For entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, this is a great opportunity. Al Jalila Foundation is a global healthcare philanthropic organization dedicated to transforming lives, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.
Al Jalila Foundation provides scholarships to nurture a home-grown generation of medical professionals and supports research that addresses health challenges prevalent in the region. For more information on seed grants 👇
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE, in partnership with the United States Mission to the UAE, is a five-month program designed to enable women-owned SMEs to focus on business resilience, adaptability, and identifying growth opportunities. Woman entrepreneurs in the UAE looking to upscale their business for the fast-paced growth of the UAE knowledge-based economy are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about why female founders receive less funding and what you can do to diminish the effects of this drawback here.
StartAD AIM Congress
In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, startAD supports Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s goals of becoming a knowledge-based economy by equipping startups, SMEs, and young talent with the necessary tools to build innovative new products that serve a global need, collaborate across organizations, and develop entrepreneurial capacity.
StartAD programs equip global and regional startups from tech and non-tech industries with the tools, skills and frameworks to excel in the unique opportunity that the UAE market presents, including impact-driven programs with government departments and corporate leaders to help further UAE’s transition into a knowledge-based economy. For more information 👇
Make it in the Emirates Start-up Pitch Competition
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology invites participants to a sustainability focused startup competition, for startups committed to reducing carbon footprint.
The event brings together decision-makers, government and private sector officials, experts, entrepreneurs, financing entities, investors, startups, and SMEs – with the primary goal of showcasing investment opportunities locally. For more information on competition 👇
Aspire UAE
ASPIRE UAE issues high profile competitions annually - locally and internationally - to identify talented research teams and ground-breaking projects with the best potential to develop transformational technologies against a defined set of parameters. For more information on the competition 👇
London Business School MENA
The London Business School Startup competition in the MENA region is supported by the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital (IEPC) and in its' third edition looks to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with VCs and investors in the region. For more information on the competition and to apply 👇
Etisalat's Hello Business Pitch
The Hello Business Pitch is in it's 3rd edition and presents UAE-based aspiring startups with the opportunity to participate and win prizes worth AED 350,000. This aids them in scaling their venture and launching a new business.
Identify which category you would come under and get registered. Submit your details with relevant supporting records/documents, and upon being shortlisted and verified, you will be guided on the steps to follow. For more information on the competition and to register👇
Finally, you can start right here! Join our Founder Round Table & Speed Networking event and meet other bold entrepreneurs building the dream. Attending entrepreneur events will get you on your way to meeting other entrepreneurs' network. Join the right community that works best for your business!
Upcoming Event
We’re excited to announce the upcoming Founder Round Table & Speed Networking event. This webinar focuses on improving your basic knowledge as an entrepreneur, with a focus on investor readiness. Join us to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights.
Ready to take the next step in your business journey? Our team is here to help you get started. Book a free demo with our experts to explore how we can support your vision and set you up for success. Discover tailored solutions and personalized strategies that will give you a head start. Don't wait—reach out today and let's turn your dreams into reality!
urBIZassist believes in the power of "know-how" to transform lives and positively impact the world around us.
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