Jennifer Sault, the Founder of Thrift for Good, a charitable shop based in Dubai, has been awarded a grant of US$50,000 as the winner of the second She’s Next grant program for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The grant program, hosted by Visa in collaboration with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs in the UAE.
Thrift for Good is a woman-owned small business dedicated to rehoming preloved clothes and items to raise funds for children’s charities worldwide. In addition to the grant, Jennifer Sault will receive a year of business coaching provided by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a prominent organization affiliated with the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Thrift for Good will also receive US$3,000 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits.
The She’s Next program received applications from women entrepreneurs representing various sectors, including textiles, education, food and beverage, professional services, beauty, and wellness. An expert jury panel evaluated the applicants based on criteria such as the progress of their entrepreneurial journey, business metrics, digital presence, and problem-solving abilities.
This year, the program introduced the “People’s Favorite” award, determined through online voting by the public. Nada Alawadhi, the Founder of The Bookshelf, an innovative bilingual book subscription service for children, received this award along with a cash prize of US$10,000.
Sustainability was a prominent theme among the She’s Next applicants, with many showcasing environmentally responsible business practices. According to the SMB Digitization Index commissioned by Visa, women entrepreneurs in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) emphasized the growing importance of sustainability in today’s business landscape, including waste reduction, product recycling, and minimizing plastic usage.
Participation in the She’s Next program provides women entrepreneurs with practical insights, tools, educational resources, and training opportunities. Visa and ITC are committed to offering advisory support to finalists, helping them enhance their business and financial strategies.
