Casablanca, Morocco, 09th September 2022 –Visa, the world's leader in digital payments, today announced the winners of its She's Next grant program in Morocco at an award ceremony in partnership with Société Générale Morocco. Under the initiative, five Moroccan women-led businesses received a $10,000 grant and one year of business coaching from IFundWomen to support, grow and expand their businesses, as well as media exposure and networking opportunities.
The five winners were selected from more than 110 applications submitted by Moroccan women entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors, from textiles to education, food and beverage to professional services, beauty and wellness. .Winners were selected based on the evolution of their entrepreneurial journey, the strength of their business metrics, their digital presence and their problem-solving skills.
The jury panel consisted of Ms. Hajjami Asmae, Country Manager and Board Member of Société Générale Morocco, Mr. Benbashir Mehdi, Deputy General Manager – Société Générale Morocco, Mr. Sami Romdhane, Country Manager – Visa Morocco, Ms. Nadia Lambaraa, Digital Partnerships-Visa Morocco and Mrs. Rabia El Alama, Managing Director – AMCHAM Morocco.
By participating in the program, all women entrepreneurs gained access to practical insights from female leaders in the public and private sectors, as well as valuable tools and educational resources – including Visa’s Practical Business Skills program - they need to grow and develop their businesses.
"In a world where businesses in general are struggling with the lingering effects of the pandemic and inflation, women-owned small businesses continue to prove their resilience and show great optimism about the future of their businesses," said Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager - North Africa Levant Pakistan, Visa. "Visa recognizes these women entrepreneurs, their dedication and continued contributions to our communities, and is proud to support and spotlight them through our She's Next initiative, which we are pleased to have brought to Morocco for the first time. These women have not only broken many stereotypes about the type of businesses women run but have also clearly demonstrated their ability to grow and scale. We would like to congratulate the five recipients and look forward to supporting them through these grants and the mentorship program so they can continue to work and thrive in these uncertain times.”
THE 5 WINNERS OF THE 2022 EDITION OF THE SHE’S NEXT INITIATIVE
- Morocco, Casablanca: Meriam Bessa (Atelier Digital),
- Morocco, Casablanca: Khaoula Tanfioui (Bots Factory),
- Morocco, Casablanca: Mona Alami (Eco Fertil Ecologie Fertilisation),
- Morocco, Casablanca: Mari2m Faghraoui (Neoli)
- Morocco, Casablanca: Ilhemm Kerdoudi (Digited)
Two of the winners will participate in a virtual event, “She’s next: Spotlighting Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East”, organized by Forbes Middle East and Visa, where female business leaders from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco will share strategies they have used to strive for gender equality and empowerment.