Establish your company in Dubai or Abu Dhabi through The Growth and qualify your business for evaluation to receive initial operational capital support of up to AED 30,000 for selected businesses.
The Growth Summer Founder Competition 2026 is a limited-time founder support initiative designed for growth-oriented companies establishing their presence in the UAE. The initiative is exclusively available to businesses successfully incorporated through The Growth during the campaign period. Following incorporation and a successful compliance review, eligible businesses may apply for evaluation under the Founder Support Initiative.
E-Commerce Brands
AI & Tech Ventures
Import / Export & Trading Companies
Consultants & Service Businesses
Startups & Sustainability-Focused Businesses
Marketing Support: Dynamic digital marketing and presence building.
Business Development: Strategic support to scale operations.
Technology & Software: Infrastructure and software deployment support.
Approved Expenses: Coverage for specific business growth operational expenses.
Commercial Viability: Market demand potential, a realistic business model, and long-term sustainability.
Innovation & Value: Technology integration, AI/digital adaptation, or sustainability contributions.
Founder & Business Readiness: Industry knowledge, clear business model definition, and a strong long-term UAE growth intention.
Compliance Standing: Successful KYC completion, cleared sanctions screening, and standard regulatory compliance.
Mandatory Items: Valid UAE Trade License (obtained via The Growth), Passport copy of founder(s), Emirates ID/Visa copy (if applicable), and a Business Summary document.
Recommended Additions: A pitch deck, financial projections, revenue model explanation, or product/service presentation.
No. Incorporation services are completely separate from the Founder Competition evaluation process. Business incorporation does not guarantee selection.
Investor introductions are not guaranteed. All investment, funding, and support decisions remain entirely independent, subject to internal evaluation criteria, and at the sole discretion of The Growth.
No unrestricted cash entitlement is created under this program. Approved Initial Operational Capital Support is disbursed as operational reimbursements, vendor payments, or specific marketing/tech support at the sole discretion of The Growth.
The Program is a founder support initiative and shall not be interpreted as a lottery, raffle, lucky draw, guaranteed funding scheme, or financial promotion. All support decisions remain strictly discretionary and evaluation-based.