https://arab.news/pyyyz
Visa, a world leader in digital payments, announced Samar Nasraldin as the winner of the “She’s Next” fashion program in Saudi Arabia.
In partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank and Monsha’at, “She’s Next” program in Saudi Arabia is part of Visa’s global advocacy initiative aimed at supporting women-owned small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship. The winner was selected at an award ceremony in Riyadh at SAB Tower on Feb. 25.
Nasraldin, founder of Samar Nasraldin, won $20,000 for their excellence in the industry. The runner up, Hind Fahad of SEIZA won a prize of $15,000, and the People’s Choice Award winner, Amal Abdullah of Linen by A received $10,000.
A jury evaluated applications based on the progression of the applicants’ entrepreneurial journey, their business metrics, digital presence, and ability to solve problems confidently.
The jury included renowned fashion designer Razan Alazzouni and representatives from Monsha’at, Ghada Aljarbou, chief operating officer; Rania Alsharyoufi, chief human resources officer, and Samah Alrasheed, head of business partnerships at SAB.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s program focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and received over 175 applications from across the Kingdom.
“At Visa, we strive to provide women with opportunities and resources to drive entrepreneurial and economic growth. We have witnessed the exceptional creativity and innovation shaping Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry through this program. Congratulations to the winners and finalists for their contributions to this program and the industry,” said Ali Bailoun, Visa’s regional general manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman.
He added: “Through ‘She’s Next,’ Visa is addressing key challenges women entrepreneurs face, including access to funding, mentorship, and resources for digital transformation. These finalists represent the innovative vision that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals for leadership opportunities for women under Vision 2030.”
Since its launch in 2023, the “She’s Next” program has provided women entrepreneurs with coaching and mentorship, awarding over $3 million in grants to help grow their businesses.
The program also recognized the talents and entrepreneurial spirits of the finalists, including Norah AlKhowaiter, founder of Rafah, and Arwa AlSuhaim founder of En&Ay.