Ma’an Social Incubator Programme Offers Masterclass in Pitch Training for Businesses in Abu Dhabi
The shortlisted startups of Ma’an’s Social Incubator programme were taught how to successfully pitch their businesses.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Ma’an is the first incubator of its kind in the city. Established in February this year by the Department of Community Development, as part of ‘Ghadan 21’ which is working to help Abu Dhabi’s economy, this incubator programme aims to bridge the gaps between private, government and civil sectors of the area and support startups aiming to assist those with disabilities.
In the training session organized by Ma’an, 25 teams were trained on how to prepare formal pitches for the judges. Amongst these 25 finalists, only 10 will be selected and ultimately participate in the program.
The 10 final teams will benefit from funding, mentorship and access to investors. Furthermore, they will be provided with an office space and business expertise. Ma’an will be investing more than AED 4.4 Million to offer these privileges to the startups.
The incubator encourages more community-based organizations and tries to promote the idea of working together across different sectors.
While speaking about the mission to have a social impact on Abu Dhabi, H.E Salama Al Ameemi, Director General Ma’an said: “Ma’an is mandated to deliver a social impact in Abu Dhabi, introducing new programs and partnerships that will channel our community’s philanthropic efforts towards shared goals that support the common good.”
He continued “We want to build on the UAE’s strong culture of giving that was encouraged by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and we will introduce a modern approach to creating collaborative communities that is inspired by the history and heritage of our country.”
The authority is aiming to deliver on 4 social pillars:
- Social investment fund: to involve public and private sector in the activity and raise funds for projects
- Social impact bonds: introducing a new financial model to improve public services through social outcomes
- Social incubator program: As mentioned above, this incubator will help startups based on social impacts take flight in Abu Dhabi
- Community engagement program: this is to make it easier for people around the city to volunteer for social causes