Visa, along with the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), have come together to launch the "She's Next" initiative. The global initiative aims to provide practical insights and tools to women in small and medium businesses (SMBs). This is in addition to providing grants, and coaching through IFundWomen.
She's Next is Visa’s global advocacy program to empower women-led SMBs. Watch the video to hear why @Visamiddleeast, @FABConnects and @DBWC_UAE are partnering to bring this important initiative to #UAE for the first time. Apply Now! https://t.co/gaFyO6iOdS@RajaAlGurg @nhalabi78 pic.twitter.com/dZdKr9Z7SK
— Dubai Business Women Council (@DBWC_UAE) June 21, 2022
In collaboration with DBWC, She's Next will also be providing SMBs with networking opportunities. According to Sara Al Binali, Head of Business Banking at FAB, the initiative is a social objective within the bank's ESG strategy. "With this partnership, we are working to understanding the barriers women face as entrepreneurs in our region, and giving them the resources, networks and knowledge to bring down those barriers and open a pathway to growing their business," she explained.
She's Next is part of Visa's ongoing commitment in empowering women in UAE's workspace. Since 2020, in fact, the US-based company has invested more than $2.2 million in over 200 grants and coaching to women-owned SMBs. Hence, Visa is committed to providing resources for business women across the Gulf nation.
Meet Zahra Al Ghamdi, Sarah Brahim, and Balqis Al Rashed, three Saudi women who are making huge waves in the local art scene: https://t.co/o1tIpfY9UU pic.twitter.com/rkAG63V2En
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) June 20, 2022
According to a recent report by Visa, it was discovered that women in SMBs were keen to explore the best way to achieve financial success, mapping out more effective business strategies, and how to stay in business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the report stated that 86% of women found it difficult to find funding for their businesses, with 76% having to use their own savings to start a business.
Hence, Visa is giving female entrepreneurs the opportunity to get the help they need to succeed. From now till July 20, 2022, SMB owners can stand a chance of winning one of five $10,000 grants through She's Next, as well as coaching programs through IFundWomen.
