startAD| AWE 2021

Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) UAE 2021

Enabling women entrepreneurs to develop business resilience and adaptability

Program Overview

Established in 2019, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) provides women entrepreneurs the knowledge, network, and access they need to launch or scale their business. The UAE edition of AWE is organized by the US Mission to the UAE, in partnership with startAD, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and GrowME International. It is a highly customized 6-month program for women-led SMEs in the UAE. The 2nd edition of AWE UAE promotes economic prosperity by creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to skill, scale, and thrive. It will enable women-owned SMEs in the UAE to deconstruct and identify new channels, markets & customers while strengthening the operational business pillars that these SMEs may lack the experiences or resources to build.

The program will conclude with a high-profile event celebrating Women’s Day 2022 on March 8th, where finalists showcase their achievements and business potential to the program partners and other key stakeholders. You can join us online to learn more about these amazing women business owners, live from the US Pavilion, EXPO 2020 from 12-1:30 PM.

Agenda

12:00 – 12:03 PM

Welcome Notes

Hana Barakat, Associate Director of startAD

12:03 – 12:05 PM

Introduction

Meghan Gregonis, United States Consul General

12:05 – 12:10 PM

Opening Remarks

Under-Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Marisa Lago

12:10 – 12:40 PM

AWE Cohort Presentations

12:40 – 12:50 PM

Certificate Distribution & AWE Reflections

12:50 – 1:00 PM

Closing Remarks

Ramesh Jagannathan, Managing Director of startAD

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Networking event

Businesses will have the opportunity to meet members from the US Mission to the UAE, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and other invited guests

Program Timeline

Application opens
July 7, 2021

You are welcome to apply!
Virtual information session
August 4, 2021

Attend our virtual information session to learn more about the program
Applications close
September 1, 2021

Last day to submit your application
Phase I begins
September 26, 2021

Craft an action plan. Explore your business for value and opportunity. Identify what you need for the way forward.
Phase I Submissions
November 11, 2021

Submit your action plan
Announcement of selected phase II candidates
November 17, 2021

We will announce the candidates for phase II
Phase II
January 9, 2022

Bring your plan to life with guided support
Closing Ceremony
March 8, 2022

Showcase your achievements and business potential at a high-profile event to celebrate Women’s Day 2022

AWE Cohort 2021

Soil Store

Soil is an Abu Dhabi based homegrown organic store that was created to help people make the shift to healthy clean living.

2071Mall

2071Mall is a virtual mall (website and App) that offer the look and feel that draws consumers to malls and physical stores. We offer great deals in electronics, robotics, smart gadgets, medical devices, pharmacy, cosmetics, grocery, vegetables, software, digital cards and many more in one digital mall in the UAE.

ECOBUILD

We aim to create a world where the environment doesn’t need protection. Partnering with clients around the globe to develop a sustainable and resilient future through our expertise and integrated solutions.

iCharge

iCharge point is a power bank sharing service delivered to Dubai's guests and residents through a network of fully automated vending machines that are accessible to the public via a mobile application.

Ninjoo

We are on a mission to lead a new global fitness movement inspired by style, design & innovation.

RFLCT Creative Arts

Center aims at empowering the community through different forms of arts.

Pretty Shady Parasols

Stunning garden umbrellas and accessories in a range of fun, bold prints. Proudly made locally in the UAE

Watch interview

Shift Eco

Shift Eco is an e-commerce platform that curates honest and impactful eco-friendly products.

Turtlefeet Company

Rekindling eco conscious living by making fashion and lifestyle sustainable.

Watch interview

Bismillah Buddies

Bismillah Buddies is the flagship brand for Uhibbook publishing. We create books for impact. We are a social enterprise that aims to build a world based on empathy, inclusivity and diversity. Under Uhibbook; Bismillah Buddies has expanded to sister brand Storically; to establish a publishing house that supports the UN SDGs, specifically those of ‘quality education' and ‘reduced inequality.’ We do this by challenging stereotypes in the written word and creating books to shift perspectives.

Watch interview

Auriga Consultancy

Auriga offers a range of tailor made business solutions and consultancy services, masterfully helping build success stories across the entire spectrum of the hospitality industry. We provide turnkey solutions to help a business realize its full potential.

Watch interview

The Party Handicraft

The Party is a creative design boutique, dedicated to bringing people the best in personalised party accessories and gifts. From cake toppers, handmade decorative signs, personalised gift tags and much more, each piece is lovingly handcrafted to make your celebrations unique and special!

Watch interview

AWE UAE Alumni

Himma

A social initiative promoting the mental wellbeing of young girls.

Safe Space

Offering educational opportunities and promoting mental health.

Milieu Environmental Consultancy

Offering high-quality technical services in sustainable development fields.

Programmers Zone

Specialising in coding courses for children and adults as well as website and app development services.

Social Media Strategy ME

A digital agency providing technical and digital solutions to individuals, corporates, and brands.

Kenzi Beauty Trading

Providing quality products and equipment for spas and salons.

Turf Cafe and November Cafe

Specialty coffee shops with a passion for all things coffee.

Trident Trackway

Focusing on construction related projects manufacturing, renting, and selling temporary roadways and access flooring for events, construction, and emergency application.

Something Design House

An architectural and interior design firm.