TikTok MENA announces the launch of the second edition of The TikTok Creator Hub, a program aimed at spotlighting women-led businesses and fostering an environment that encourages their growth. This program will be rolled out in a competition format, allowing participants to showcase their unique talents and business acumen while highlighting the remarkable contributions of women in the business world.

The program will culminate in a grand awards ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the achievements of these exceptional women leaders will be celebrated.

With UN Women being part of the judging panel for the TikTok Creator Hub, the program’s primary goal is to identify and nurture the business talents of women entrepreneurs in the MENA region.

“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 provide participants with opportunities including mentorship from successful female leaders, guidance on using content creation platforms to promote their businesses, and a chance to engage with like-minded women, creating a strong support network. Inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the region will thus have a chance to come together to enjoy plenty of funding, learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

TikTok will also promote this year’s Creator Hub initiative using the hashtag #HerAmbitions, highlighting 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. 

On the judging panel, the competition will feature creators and entrepreneurs such as lifestyle influencer and businesswoman Karen Wazen; culinary expert Chahrazad Al Hajjar, founder of Chahrazad’s Cuisine The Bakery; Doaa Gawish, CEO and founder of The Hair Addict; and Montira Narkvichien, UN Women Chief of Communications for the Arab States region.

By encouraging business ambitions in MENA region women, the Creator Hub will ultimately help the chosen entrepreneurs reach a wider market and build their brands further.

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 edition of the TikTok Creator Hub will unfold through three dynamic stages. Phase 1 will kick off in-app, with the launch of the initiative announced through the #HerAmbitions hashtag and a video featuring inspiring female entrepreneurs and creators. Participants will share an elevator pitch of their business, and TikTok users will vote for their favorite entrepreneurs.

Phase 2 will see live workshops and panels, featuring members of the judging panel including Karen Wazen, Chahrazad Al Hajjar, Doaa Gawish, and renowned industry experts offering insights, advice, and guidance to participants on enhancing their skills. The panel discussions will be live-streamed through TikTok’s official accounts and are set to explore the transformative potential of content creation in elevating career prospects, unlocking fresh avenues, and bolstering personal branding. 

For the grand finale stage, a closing ceremony will take place in February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where finalists will showcase their businesses, for a competition to be overseen by a judging panel. Winners will receive monetary prizes, with the first-place winner awarded US $10,000, and second and third places each receiving US $5,000.

TikTok Creator Hub was first launched in 2022, with last year’s program based around climate change and unlocking opportunities for new talents and contributing to the region’s creative economy through a similar competition format.