ABU DHABI- The Authority of Social Contribution, Ma'an, has extended the deadline for its Ma’an Social Incubator, MSI, Programme till 13th July, 2019, due to the growing interest in the MSI from the public and social entrepreneurs in the UAE, the region and the rest of the world.
The programme has already received more than 200 expressions of interest from the public and social entrepreneurs from different countries ranging from New Zealand to India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South America.
The MSI is a first-of-its-kind programme in Abu Dhabi, which offers a unique chance for people to develop their innovative ideas for social impact into a social enterprise or not-for-profit association. A workshop will be held in Abu Dhabi this month to advice and support people on the application process. The deadline to apply has been extended to accommodate this workshop and the increasing interest from social entrepreneurs. The workshop will provide an opportunity to answer any questions on the application programme or the incubator itself.
Launched in May, the MSI will support the 10 winning 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 hone their business skills through workshops and training programmes.
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. Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of Ma’an, said, "As our first pilot programme, it has been really exciting to see the interest and enthusiasm from members of the community for the MSI programme. "We realise 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 programme.
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. Applicants must be 18 and over and live in - or be willing to relocate to - Abu Dhabi.
They 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.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.
