Oman: SiltaNews – News Desk
As part of its ongoing commitment to socio-economic development and entrepreneurship, Sohar International, in collaboration with Visa, has officially launched the “She’s Next” program in Oman. The initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of women-led businesses by providing a structured ecosystem of financial support, mentorship, and capability-building. Eligible Omani female entrepreneurs can apply through an open registration process, with shortlisted participants progressing through a comprehensive evaluation and development journey. Winners across multiple award categories will share a total prize pool of OMR 38,000.
The program aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the capital, skills, and practical tools needed to scale their businesses sustainably, contributing to economic diversification and private-sector growth aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Participants will also gain access to Sohar International’s Be Zahiya and Zahiya Plus tailored banking solutions, offering specialized financial tools and benefits for women at different stages of their professional journeys.
The initiative builds on Sohar International’s broader efforts to empower women through dedicated financial products and services, reflecting a holistic approach that combines funding, mentorship, and long-term business support. Insights from Visa’s Women SMB Digitalization Index highlight the importance of such programs, revealing that while many women entrepreneurs in Oman use digital tools for sales and marketing, gaps remain in areas such as product innovation and payment acceptance training.
In addition to financial support, the program emphasizes capability-building. Five finalists will receive personalized mentorship from renowned Omani entrepreneur Dr. Siham Ahmed Al-Harthi, assisting them in refining business strategies and scaling their operations. The Lahunna organization will oversee applicant qualification, ensuring a high-quality selection process, including pitch readiness and structured preparation.
Applications for the She’s Next program opened on 13 January 2026 and will remain open for four weeks. The program is exclusively available to Omani female entrepreneurs across all sectors. Through initiatives like this, Sohar International continues to play an active role in fostering a more inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oman, supporting national priorities and Vision 2040 goals.