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 both 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 footprint 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 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 February 2021 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.
