The Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards Returns On June 6, 2024, In Dubai, UAE; Nominations Are Now Welcome Shortlisted companies and individuals will be vetted by the Entrepreneur Middle East team and then the judging committee, chaired by Mastercard and industry leaders.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Mastercard

Nominations are now open for the 2024 edition of the Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards in partnership with Entrepreneur Middle East, an annual event that aims to empower women-owned and run small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Women executives or business owners who have their headquarters or offices based in Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, or offer their services to these markets, can submit their applications here before May 24, 2024.

Shortlisted companies and individuals will be vetted by the Entrepreneur Middle East team, and then the judging committee, chaired by Mastercard and industry leaders. Winners will be announced on June 6, 2024, at an awards ceremony taking place in Dubai, UAE.

Launched in 2022 to empower entrepreneurial women, the Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards aims to shine a spotlight on women who are shaping the future of the emerging markets around the globe. In 2023, the initiative received over 4,500 submissions from women-owned and run SMEs across 22 award categories.

With this year's edition marking the third occurrence of the annual event, the Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards will be celebrating the achievements and contributions of women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated commendable leadership, vision, and resilience in steering their SMEs to success.

The event will highlight the incredible achievements of women from all walks of life including those who are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape with endeavors that range from breakthrough technological innovations, championing social causes, to introducing sustainable business practices.

Those interested in participating in this year's edition of the event can register here. For any enquiries related to the Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards 2023, please email SMEleaders@bncpublishing.net.

Related: The Recap: Women SME Leaders Awards 2023

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

These Yale Students Raised $3 Million in 14 Days to Build Their 'Anti-Facebook' Startup: 'I Can See My Childhood Self Looking Up to Me.'

Two 21-year-old Yale juniors are changing digital networking with Series, an AI-powered platform backed by $3 million in venture capital.

Side Hustle

Retirees Are Raking in Billions With These 6 Side Hustles: 'Very Quick Gratification'

Most Americans plan to work part-time in retirement — and the opportunities are endless.

Travel

8 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Next Business Trip

Business travel doesn't have to break the bank. Discover eight expert-approved tips to maximize savings without sacrificing comfort on your next trip.