InspireHER Contest: Transforming Financial Access and Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region

The “InspireHer” Contest by “Revue UBA” represents a significant step towards promoting financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among women in the MENA region. By showcasing success stories, encouraging innovative solutions that address both access to finance and business development, and providing necessary support, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, they can empower women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and development in the MENA region.

The Union of Arab Banks (UAB) has long been a strong advocate for financial inclusion and economic development across the MENA region. Despite their immense potential, women entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers in accessing financial services and business opportunities.

To address these challenges, “Revue UBA,” the French magazine of UAB, is partnering with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), to create a more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

Objectives

• Raise Awareness: Highlight the importance of financial inclusion and entrepreneurship for women in the MENA region.
• Identify Challenges: Understand the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing financial services.
• Showcase Success Stories: Celebrate successful women entrepreneurs who have overcome barriers to financial inclusion.
• Promote Innovative Solutions: Encourage innovative approaches and solutions that facilitate financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs.
• Network Building: Create an online platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among women entrepreneurs, financial institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders. This platform will facilitate connections, exchange of best practices, and collaboration, fostering a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in the MENA region.

Focus Areas

• Projects must focus on financial inclusion or women’s economic empowerment, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

Categories

• New Venture Category
• Established Business Category
• Women Entrepreneur Award 2025

Funding Information

• New Venture Category:
  • First Prize: Grant: $3000 to support initial business setup, marketing, and operational costs.
  • Second Prize: Grant: $2000 for business expansion and strategy implementation.
  • Third Prize: Grant: $1500 for operational support and initial market entry.
• Established Business Category:
  • First Prize: Grant: $3000 to fund business expansion, new product development, or strategic initiatives.
  • Second Prize: Grant: $2000 to enhance market presence, scale operations, or support other growth-related expenses.
  • Third Prize: Grant: $1500 to support operational costs or market entry strategies.
• Women Entrepreneur Award 2025:
  • $2000 in financial support to empower the awardee to expand or innovate her business, enabling further impact in her community and beyond.

Benefits

• In addition to financial grants, winners and finalists will benefit from specialized capacity-building programs provided by UNIDO, including:
  • Workshop on Pitching Skills to enhance business presentation and fundraising capabilities.
  • Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Program, covering key topics such as Business Planning, Financial & Business Development Strategies, Innovation & Digital Transformation, Sustainability & Impact Measurement, and Market Access & Networking.
  • 6-month tailored business counseling and mentorship to provide strategic guidance and hands-on support for business growth.
  • Participation in the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF 2026), offering networking opportunities with global investors, financial institutions, and industry leaders.
• These unique opportunities will equip participants with essential skills, knowledge, and networks to scale their businesses and achieve long-term success

Target Audience

• Women entrepreneurs in the following countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya.

Eligibility Criteria

• New Venture Category:
  • Open to women entrepreneurs who are in the first 0 to 2 years of launching a new project that addresses financial inclusion challenges or promotes women’s economic empowerment. operating in one of the eligible countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya)
• Established Business Category:
  • Open to founders or CEOs of startups or MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) that have been established between 1 and 3 years and are actively operating in one of the eligible countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya).
• Women Entrepreneur Award 2025:
  • This special award will recognize an outstanding woman entrepreneur, chosen from applicants of the InspireHer contest’s two main categories—InspireHer: New Venture Category and InspireHer : Established Business Category. Additionally, it is also open to exceptional women entrepreneurs who have not applied for these categories but demonstrate a significant impact in advancing financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment.

For more information, visit UAB.