DO GOOD
Catch up with our Unlock Her Future Prize Winners 2023 MENA Edition
Championing changemakers around the world, the Unlock Her Future Prize by DO GOOD with The Bicester Collection is an annual initiative to identify and empower women social entrepreneurs from regions across the globe.
In its inaugural year, the Unlock Her Future Prize scouted changemakers from the Middle East & North Africa region, resulting in 850 applicants from 19 countries. From those, four extraordinary women were selected to receive a business grant of up to $100,000 to launch start-ups with a positive social, environmental and economic impact on their communities and beyond. They also received leadership training, participating in a Residency Programme at NYU Abu Dhabi focusing on social entrepreneurship, as well as mentorship from business experts, and support with PR and media outreach.
One year on since our winners were announced on International Women's Day 2023, we caught up with them to see what they have achieved since – and their advice to other budding founders…
Fella Bouti – EcoTashira
A PhD in agricultural sciences prompted the idea for Fella’s start-up EcoTashira, which produces organic green slabs for urban spaces, to encourage improved air quality and reduce temperatures in cities. One highlight for Fella of the last year was being hosted by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) at their Women Business Forum 2023 in Tunisia.
“Winning the Prize and being associated with The Bicester Collection played a pivotal role in launching my business,” says Fella. “Despite working on the idea for two years, I needed more assurance and support to bring it to fruition. The Prize provided the assurance, support and enthusiasm required to take concrete steps in realising my project.”
I encourage female entrepreneurs to seize every business development opportunity, persistently navigate challenges and embrace a mindset of resilience, as enduring obstacles is crucial for achieving success.
Sara Llalla - EcoCentric
As a co-founder of EcoCentric, Sara is committed to creating a sustainable future for the planet. Her online marketplace eliminates the need for single-use materials by using a practical circular economy system, helping consumers to shop with a conscience.
With the support of the Unlock Her Future Prize, Sara was able to cover setup costs and prepare for the launch of the business’s first pilot in the UAE. “The financial support has been instrumental in turning our vision into reality, allowing us to kickstart our sustainable marketplace and positively impact the environment,” she says. “With mentorship from people from various industries, we were able to strategise the announcement of the launch of our app during COP28 panel discussions.”
Set deadlines, even if you know you might miss them. It makes everyone work harder.
Noor Jaber – NAWAT Health
A public health researcher and practitioner, Noor founded NAWAT Health to improve women’s sexual and reproductive health in the MENA region, by providing a safe digital space to access shame-free, expert information in Arabic. Winning the Prize, she says, has made her feel “empowered”.
“It gives me a substantial financial boost, giving my start-up the resources to thrive and grow. Beyond the funds, the associated mentorship and networking opportunities open doors that were once out of reach,” says Noor. In the last 12 months, she has attended the UfM-UNIDO Women Business Forum 2023, and has received brand consulting and legal support from The Bicester Collection's in-house specialists and contacts. “This Prize offered me what I need to unlock the doors to my future, change the lives of other women, and better their sexual and reproductive well-being.”
Focus on building a strong support network of mentors and peers to navigate challenges and share insights. Embrace adaptability and continuous learning. This is key to navigating the dynamic landscape in entrepreneurship.
Nuhayr Zein - Leukeather
With a plant-based product that’s completely plastic-free, Nuhayr’s company Leukeather offers an ethical alternative to exotic leathers and their synthetic counterparts. In the last year, she took part in Eygptian Fashion Week, displaying her product alongside other innovators in May 2023, resulting in coverage from Vogue Italia.
“By connecting us with experts from different fields, they've helped us expand our network and opened up more opportunities,” she says. “Not only did The Bicester Collection help us with business and financial support, but also with helpful learning opportunities such as the NYUAD Residency and the Stratton leadership programme. Winning this Prize has unlocked numerous opportunities for Leukeather.”
Have confidence in yourself and your vision, all the while staying flexible in the approaches to realise it.
Get ready for the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition
In its second year, the Unlock Her Future Prize has welcomed applications from women in LATAM with an inspiring, early-stage start-up idea that generates a positive and sustainable impact on society.
The winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition will be announced in June 2024, at a ceremony in Madrid, Spain. Each winner will receive a grant of up to $100,000 to launch and develop their start-up, an education programme with Tecnológico de Monterrey, bespoke leadership coaching to achieve their personal and professional goals, access to global expert mentors and visibility through global exposure.
Follow us @TheBicesterCollection to learn where the Prize will travel to in 2025!
