TikTok MENA has launched the second edition of the TikTok Creator Hub to spotlight women-led businesses and foster a supportive environment for their growth. This innovative program, presented in a competition format, allows participants to showcase their unique talents and business acumen, emphasizing the remarkable contributions of women in the business world.

The culmination of the program will be a grand awards ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, celebrating the achievements of these exceptional women leaders. With UN Women serving on the judging panel for the TikTok Creator Hub, the program’s primary objective is to recognize and nurture the business talents of women entrepreneurs in the MENA region. The initiative is dedicated to guiding female entrepreneurs on their entrepreneurial journey and rallying behind the women’s business community.

“We’re proud to collaborate with TikTok on this empowering journey. Together, we are working towards helping women-led businesses flourish in the MENA region, making a significant impact in the world of entrepreneurship,” said Susanne Mikhail Eldhagen, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States region.

The program will offer participants distinctive opportunities, including mentorship from accomplished female leaders, guidance on leveraging content creation platforms for business promotion, and the chance to connect with like-minded women, establishing a robust support network. Inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the region will have the opportunity to unite, benefiting from ample funding, educational resources, mentorship, and networking prospects.

TikTok will actively promote this year’s Creator Hub initiative using the hashtag #HerAmbitions, spotlighting the invaluable role women play in the business landscape. Female entrepreneurs in the MENA region can share their stories, inspire others, and be part of a supportive community that celebrates women in business. The competition format not only acknowledges the potential of women entrepreneurs but also empowers them to share their creative and entrepreneurial ideas with a global audience. Through the program, participants will gain access to other successful female leaders, acquiring insights, advice, and guidance to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

The judging panel for the competition will include esteemed creators and entrepreneurs. As a capacity-building initiative, the TikTok Creator Hub not only aims to cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment for female entrepreneurs but also empowers them to upskill and thrive through a comprehensive support system, providing the tools, knowledge, and resources for their advancement. By nurturing business ambitions among women in the MENA region, the Creator Hub will ultimately assist the selected entrepreneurs in reaching a broader market and further developing their brands.

Speaking about the exciting initiative, Kinda Ibrahim — General Manager of Operations, TikTok Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and South Asia — said, “TikTok believes in the boundless potential of women entrepreneurs in the MENA region and is dedicated to creating an environment where their ambitions can thrive. The second edition of The Creator Hub #HerAmbition is more than a competition: we’re setting the stage for these remarkable women leaders to shine and inspire others. The #HerAmbitions campaign will recognize the incredible role that women play in the business landscape. Through this initiative, we aim to amplify their voices, share their inspiring stories, and build a supportive community that celebrates the power of women in business.”

The second iteration of the TikTok Creator Hub will unfold in three dynamic stages. In Phase 1, the initiative will be launched in-app, marked by the #HerAmbitions hashtag and a compelling video showcasing inspiring female entrepreneurs and creators. Participants will present an elevator pitch of their businesses, and TikTok users will cast votes for their favourite entrepreneurs.

Moving on to Phase 2, live workshops and panels will take centre stage, featuring members of the judging panel such as Karen Wazen, Chahrazad Al Hajjar, and Doaa Gawish, along with renowned industry experts. These sessions will provide participants with insights, advice, and guidance to enhance their skills. The live-streamed discussions on TikTok’s official accounts will delve into the transformative potential of content creation in boosting career prospects, unlocking new opportunities, and strengthening personal branding. The panels will emphasize the crucial role of leveraging social media platforms to showcase professional achievements, build connections with peers and industry leaders, and establish a powerful online presence for female entrepreneurs.

In the grand finale stage, a closing ceremony is scheduled for February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Finalists will present their businesses for evaluation by the judging panel, with monetary prizes at stake. The first-place winner will receive US $10,000, while second and third places will each be awarded US $5,000.

To showcase the platform’s utility and contribution to the creator economy, the second TikTok Creator Hub is poised to uplift female business creators in the region. It marks a new era in the digital content economy in the MENA region, playing a crucial role in enabling and upskilling users.

The TikTok Creator Hub was initially launched in 2022, with last year’s program focused on Climate Change, unlocking numerous opportunities for new talents and contributing to the region’s growing creative economy through a similar competition format.