Q: Do I need an existing, registered business to apply?

No. The campaign is open to Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Freelancers , indicating you do not need a fully registered company to participate.

Q: What is the duration of the campaign?

The campaign runs for six months, from October 2025 to March 2026 .

Q: What value do I receive for the AED 120 registration fee?

All registered founders receive immediate value, including Community Membership , access to a Network of Founders, Investors & Mentors, Workshops & Webinars , and Exclusive Startup Perks .

Question 1

What is TheStartupGrant?

Accepted Answer

It is a funding campaign designed to empower at least 10,000 startup founders over six months, where all registration fees are reinvested into business architecture services, mentorship, and funding for selected startups.

Question 2

Who is this campaign designed for?

Accepted Answer

This campaign is designed for passionate founders and businesses, including Freelancers, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs, early-stage Startups (1–3 years old), and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Question 3

Do I need an existing, registered business to apply?

Accepted Answer

No. The campaign is open to Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Freelancers, indicating you do not need a fully registered company to participate.

Question 4

What is the duration of the campaign?

Accepted Answer

The campaign runs for six months, from October 2025 to March 2026.

Question 5

What is the registration Fee?

Accepted Answer

The registration fee is AED 120.00/-.

Question 6

Is the registration fee refundable?

Accepted Answer

No, "All registration fees are reinvested into business architecture services, mentorship, and funding." This indicates the fee is an investment in accessing the services and resources provided to all registrants.

Question 7

What value do I receive for the AED 120 registration fee?

Accepted Answer

All registered founders receive immediate value, including Community Membership, access to a Network of Founders, Investors & Mentors, Workshops & Webinars, and Exclusive Startup Perks.

Question 8

How many stages are there in the selection process?

Accepted Answer

There are four main tiers of value delivery:

1) All Registrants
2) Shortlisted Startups (Top 50)
3) Finalist Startups (Top 15)
4) The Grand Winner.

Question 9

What services do the Top 50 shortlisted startups receive?

Accepted Answer

The Top 50 receive the Business Architect Services - Starter Pack (valued at AED 6,000), which includes Business Strategy & Modeling, Pitch Deck & Investor Readiness, and Financial Planning & Modeling.

Question 10

What services do the Top 15 finalists receive?

Accepted Answer

The Top 15 receive the Business Architect Services - Investor-Ready Pack (valued at AED 24,000), which includes Comprehensive Business Strategy & Modeling, Organization & Team Structure, Pitch Deck & Investor Readiness, and Financial & Investment Advisory

Question 11

What are the specific criteria for being selected as a Top 50 Shortlisted Startup?

Accepted Answer

Passionate founders and businesses" who fall into the target categories (Freelancers, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Startups, SMEs, etc.). While specific judging rubrics (e.g., innovation, revenue, market potential) the selection will likely be based on the initial application which assesses the business idea's viability and potential for success.

Question 12

How are the Top 15 Finalists selected from the Top 50?

Accepted Answer

The Top 50 receive the Business Architect Services - Starter Pack (Business Strategy, Pitch Deck Prep, Financial Modeling). The evaluation for the Top 15 will likely be based on the founders' engagement, the quality of their refined vision, and the strength of their updated pitch/business model developed using the provided services.

Question 13

What determines the Grand Winner from the Top 5?

Accepted Answer

The Top 15 receive the Investor-Ready Pack. The final selection for the single winner is likely determined by the final quality of their business plan, investor readiness, team structure, and overall pitch presentation, which will be the culmination of all the mentorship and services provided.

Question 14

What is the funding range for the grant?

Accepted Answer

The grand winner will receive a Funding Grant ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000 (One Million Dirhams).

Question 15

How many winners will receive the funding grant?

Accepted Answer

Only One winner (from the Top 5) will receive the funding grant.

Question 16

What other prizes does the Grand Winner receive?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the funding grant, the winner receives a Free Startup License in Dubai, Media Exposure, and the Business Architect Services - Scale-Up Pack.

Question 17

Is the funding a grant or a loan?

Accepted Answer

The offering is explicitly called a "Funding Grant", which implies it is not a loan and does not require repayment.

Call Now!

TheStartupGrant

Funding Range: AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000

Not Just a Grant, An Investment in You.

Your Journey to Success Starts Here

1.For All Registrants

2. For Shortlisted Startups (Top 50)

3. For Finalist Startups (Top 15)

4. The Grand Winner

Who We're Looking For

Ready to Architect Your Business Success?

Frequently asked Questions

General Information & Eligibility

Application & Selection Process

Selection Criteria

The Grant and Rewards