Social Contribution Authority to host Open Day for Maan Social Incubator

ABU DHABI- The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an will host an Open Day to support its drive of social start-ups in Abu Dhabi and empower the People of Determination (people with disabilities).

The event will focus on the Ma’an Social Incubator programme, MSI, and is designed to inspire social entrepreneurs and people registering for the initiative that will see them come up with innovative ideas and developing sustainable solutions for people with disabilities. The Open Day, which will be held at Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, on 25th June, will consist of a public workshop that will provide more details about the MSI programme and how applicants can register. Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of Ma’an, said, "We aim to bring together all levels of society to support a culture of social contribution and participation while striving to establish the third sector and activating the role of its components, whether that is building the number of social enterprises or not-for-profit associations.

We want to contribute, adapt, and develop innovative solutions for social challenges and make a positive sustainable social impact in Abu Dhabi. "We believe there is no better way to help do this than give growing entrepreneurs the chance to view the range of integrated services we have available in Abu Dhabi for People of Determination. We hope this will ultimately lead to not only having more social enterprises but also see People of Determination flourish by giving them all the support available to succeed."

The MSI will support the winning 10 teams of two or three people to develop their social business ideas every six months. The teams will be 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. The entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to network with industry experts as well as honing their business skills through workshops and training programs.

Ma’an recently extended the submission deadline for its MSI programme till 13th July in response to the growing interest from members of the public and social entrepreneurs in the UAE, the region and the rest of the world.