Visa has unveiled a new edition of its global advocacy programme, She’s Next in Entrepreneurship, in Saudi Arabia. The initiative, announced on Monday in partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and Monsha’at, continues Visa’s efforts to support and empower women-led businesses across the region.
Applications are now open until 21 July 2025 for women entrepreneurs looking to access funding, mentorship, and increased visibility. Five finalists will be shortlisted and revealed on 1 August. These participants will then take part in a live pitch competition on 2 September, where three winners will be selected to receive a combined total of USD 60,000 in equity-free grants.
The competition is open to women founders at all stages of business, from established enterprises to early-stage start-ups with bold and scalable ideas. The Main Prize winner will receive USD 30,000, while the Runner-Up and People’s Favourite will walk away with USD 20,000 and USD 10,000 respectively.
This year’s programme also introduces a high-profile mentor: Haya Sawan, one of the country’s most recognised wellness entrepreneurs. Known for her leadership across ventures such as SheFit, Playball Saudi, and her work on the board of the Saudi Surfing Federation, Sawan brings with her a deep commitment to empowering women through health, business, and community development.
Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasised the long-term value of the programme. “Every edition of She’s Next has shown us that women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia are not just building businesses. They’re helping drive long-term economic change. Our Women SMB Digitalization study found that one in two women business owners want to grow by expanding their products or services, and one in five are actively looking to improve their financial and budgeting skills. These insights reinforce why programs like She’s Next matter. It’s not just about funding. It’s about giving women founders the recognition, mentorship and support they need to scale with confidence. Together with SAB, Monsha’at, we’re proud to help create a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, where more women-led businesses can thrive and shape the country’s future economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.” he said.
Lama Ghazzaoui, Chief Financial Officer at SAB, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the bank’s ongoing commitment to female-led innovation. She said, “Women-led businesses in Saudi Arabia are not only growing but also transforming industries and creating a lasting impact. Through She’s Next, we proudly support visionary entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale their businesses. At SAB, empowering women in business is not a one-off initiative; but a core part of our commitment to building a more dynamic and inclusive economy.”
She added, “In line with Saudi Vision 2030, we see more women lead across diverse sectors, driving innovation and meaningfully contributing to the national economy. With She’s Next, we are not just offering financial support but creating a community that uplifts and equips women to lead confidently.”
Monsha’at also reiterated the broader national relevance of supporting women founders. “At Monsha’at, empowering women entrepreneurs is central and a powerful catalyst for national prosperity. When women are equipped with the right tools, mentorship, and access to capital, they become pioneers of innovation, creators of sustainable employment, and builders of resilient communities. Through flagship initiatives like She’s Next, we proudly invest in the next generation of female founders who are actively shaping Saudi Arabia’s future and advancing the transformative objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”
This relaunch follows a string of themed She’s Next editions in Saudi Arabia focused on industries like fashion, gaming, and sport. The new edition shifts the spotlight back to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, shining a light on women business owners who are redefining industries and creating new economic opportunities.
In 2023, Visa partnered with the International Trade Centre through its SheTrades and She’s Next programmes to train 340 women from six countries, reaching more than 12,000 women employees. Since 2020, Visa has invested around USD 3 million in over 250 grants and coaching opportunities for women small business owners across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
