- The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has announced its fourth Social Incubator (MSI) will focus on the Environment theme.
- Ma’an will invest more than AED 2 million with the programme encouraging social entrepreneurs to apply with innovative solutions to address the environment concerns in Abu Dhabi
- Registrations for the cycle is now open and will run until 13th of Feb
- 10 social start-ups with the best solutions will be selected by Ma’an and receive expertise, funding and mentorship to develop their ideas into fully-fledged social enterprises.
Abu Dhabi: In response to the societal challenge of priority environmental pressures in Abu Dhabi, The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has announced the launch and theme of its fourth cohort of its Ma’an’s Social Incubator (MSI), which will focus on the environment. Applications are now open for social entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions to help protect the environment within Abu Dhabi following the themes of biodiversity conservation, Single Use Plastics, recycling and Effective and Sustainable Ecotourism in Abu Dhabi.
The “Environment” theme is aligned with the social priorities identified by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development.Ma’an is encouraging social entrepreneurs to share innovative ideas that will benefit bith the cohort’s themes, finding solutions to minimise waste and single use plastics and promote sustainable ecotourism within the emirate.
According to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi reported 13 million tonnes of plastic entering oceans every year and a huge 9.8 million tonnes of solid waste in the Emirate. These statistical examples are why Ma’an has partnered with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to address these pressing challenges.
Through the development and empowerment of the social start-ups, Ma’an will help boost the economic sectors and influence behaviours to reduce individual and communal environmental impact, increasing. Awareness, changing mindsets and contributing to the reductions of overall carbon foot print to contribute towards a healthy and sustainable economy.
Ma’an aims to encourage talented, enthusiastic, creative and driven social entrepreneurs who can deliver evidence-based social impact. It also seeks to grow Abu Dhabi’s third sector through supporting not-for-profits and social enterprises to contribute to the development of strong, active and connect communities.
Ma’an will shortlist the 10 winning social start-ups to ensure they are they are correctly implemented and have a positive impact on the environment.
As part of the MSI, Ma’an will invest more than AED 2 million in this cycle and support the social entrepreneurs, who will undergo a 90-day training programme to develop their innovative ideas into strong business ventures.
Ma’an’s investment will see the successful applicants have access to milestone-based funding, mentorship, office space, business expertise and investors.
Since its launch in 2019, the MSI programme has helped develop solutions to assist People of Determination, improve mental wellbeing for individuals and enhance the cohesiveness and unity of families in Abu Dhabi.
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “Ma’an Social Incubator is one of Ma’an’s key pillars, empowering entrepreneurs, which will in turn strengthen the emirate’s third sector, whilst addressing Abu Dhabi’s social priorities.
“Through providing social entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to grow their idea into an enterprise or not for profit association, solutions to Abu Dhabi’s social, cultural and environmental challenges can be developed.
“With this cohort of Ma’an’s Social Incubator being under the theme of ‘Environment’, this is an opportunity to make a big difference to our beautiful home and I encourage social entrepreneurs to step forward and be part of this fantastic experience that will benefit Abu Dhabi.
“The Ma’an Social Incubator has already achieved three successful cohorts with 30 social start-ups impacting more than 15,000 beneficiaries with their creative and inventive solutions to Abu Dhabi’s social challenges and we look forward to supporting more in this cycle.”
Applications are open until 13TH of February with shortlisted teams invited to pitch to a judging panel in March. The 10 winning teams will then be selected and undergo the programme in March to June
Each team will be eligible to receive milestone funding, released at key milestones achievements, as well as a monthly stipend based on predetermined criteria. Applicants must be 18 and above, living in the UAE, or willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi.
About Ma’an:
Ma’an was established in February 2019 under the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi with the aim of bringing together the government, the private sector and civil society to support a culture of social contribution and participation. The authority will deliver solutions for social challenges with five main pillars of work – a Social Investment Fund, a Social Incubator Program, Community Engagement Programs and the introduction of a new type of public contracting, Social Impact Bonds, as well as Outreach Management.
Ma’an will support the third sector to flourish in Abu Dhabi, enabling responsible not for profit associations or foundations and social enterprises to contribute to the development of strong, active and connected communities.
Ma’an Authority for Social Contribution is a ‘Ghadan 21’ accelerator programme initiative, supporting Abu Dhabi to become one of the best places in the world to do business, invest, live, work and visit.
