Women Entrepreneurs Can Apply to the Abu Dhabi Startup Accelerator, which is currently accepting applications

StartAD, Abu Dhabi’s startup accelerator, has called for applications for the third edition of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme, titled AWE UAE 3.0-Women in Business.

AWE is a US Department of State initiative that provides enterprising women in more than 80 countries around the world with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses in collaboration with the US Mission to the UAE.

The applications must be submitted by November 29. The programme will assist UAE-based women-owned SMEs in identifying and analysing new channels, markets, and customers. It will also strengthen operational business pillars that these companies may lack the resources or experience to build, with a focus on business resilience, adaptability, and identifying growth opportunities.

The programme will begin on December 13 and will include workshops, mentoring, and one-on-one coaching from experienced business strategists, innovation experts, and mentors. It will culminate on March 8, 2023, on International Women’s Day, when finalists will present their accomplishments and businesses to programme partners and key stakeholders from the UAE innovation ecosystem.

“We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of AWE UAE participants, and continuing to work with UAE organisations, such as startAD, to promote women’s economic empowerment,” said Robin Solomon, counsellor for public affairs at the US Embassy in the UAE.

Applicants must be female Emiratis or long-term residents between the ages of 20 and 55 who own a VAT-registered small business or are a SME leader who influences strategic decision-making. AWE UAE welcomes applications from all industries and sectors. Companies with two years of operating revenue are encouraged to apply.