Applications for the Oasis Cohort in Al Ain City are open until 1 November 2026 · Apply now
Aoun
A micro-venture builder, from idea to market

We build a real business with you, not just a plan

Aoun is a platform dedicated to building and launching traditional micro-businesses, such as food, agricultural, craft, service and trade businesses that rely on a real product or service and operate from a site, shop, workshop, kitchen, farm or point of sale.

We work side by side with entrepreneurs and founders to turn ideas into tangible businesses that can grow and last: validating the idea, building the business model and plan, then setting up, preparing for launch and reaching the first customers.

All with direct support from specialist coaches and experts and a network of suppliers and partners, while every founder keeps full ownership of their business.

Explore upcoming programmes How we work
3 months
from idea to market
Hands-on support
in building and launching the business
No fees
and no stake taken in the business
4 themes
linked to national priorities
01 / Sound familiar?

Three obstacles between an idea and a market-ready business.

01
You don't know the next step

You have a promising idea, but the path isn't clear: do you start with market research, defining the customer, pricing, licensing or finding the right supplier?

02
The business hasn't taken shape yet

You know what you want to offer, but you haven't yet defined your customer, the value you offer them, or how the business will earn viable revenue before you invest your time and money.

03
Sales are the real challenge

Launching the product isn't the end. The challenge is reaching the right customers, persuading them to buy, and turning the idea into a business with real sales.

02 / How we work

Four stages that take your business from idea to market.

01
Validate

We test the idea with real customers, understand their needs and confirm real demand before investing in the business.

02
Plan

We build the value proposition, business model and business plan, and set the pricing, costs and financial and operational needs for launch.

03
Establish

We help you turn the plan into a business ready to operate, from licensing and setup to brand, packaging, suppliers and trial sales.

04
Launch

We help you enter the market, test sales channels, reach your first customers and make your first sales.

Every session ends with a practical step you apply directly to your business. You don't just learn about building businesses; you build yours during the programme.

After the programme ends, we keep following your progress with a monthly checkpoint for three months.

03 / What we offer you

Everything you need to build and launch your business, in one place.

A dedicated coach

Works with you weekly on your business decisions and follows your progress and the challenges you face.

Sector mentors

Experts and entrepreneurs with hands-on experience in sectors close to your business.

Business model support

From the value proposition and business model to the business plan, pricing and costs.

Hands-on setup support

We support you with licensing, setup, brand, packaging, choosing suppliers and getting ready to sell.

Market access

We help you test sales channels and connect with customers and potential buyers through Market Day, events and trade opportunities.

Ready to start? Explore upcoming programmes
04 / Themes

Four themes that link entrepreneurship to national opportunities and priorities.

Agriculture & Food Security
Grow and make it locally.
Heritage & National Products
Turn local identity into products with market value.
Tourism Experiences
Turn local culture and hospitality into experiences worth the visit.
Circular Economy
Turn surplus and unused resources into new products and economic value.
05 / The Aoun Pledge

At Aoun, a founder's role doesn't end at graduation. Everyone who builds their business with us becomes part of a network that keeps supporting those who come next: sharing their experience, opening their business for learning and visits, and connecting new founders with the suppliers, partners and opportunities that helped them launch.

This way, no cohort starts from scratch. Each one builds on the experience of those before it, and the Aoun network grows with every new business, so experience, relationships and opportunities become shared assets for the founders who come next.

06 / Upcoming programmes

Our first programme

Applications open

The Oasis Cohort

Aoun's first cohort, turning food and farming ideas in Al Ain City into market-ready businesses

From the land of the Emirates to the market. A hands-on programme that helps entrepreneurs in Al Ain City turn their food or farming ideas into market-ready businesses by testing the idea, building the business model, setting up and reaching the first customers.

Location: Al Ain City Places: 10 founders Duration: 3 months + monthly follow-up for 3 months Launch grant: up to AED 15,000 Deadline: 1 November 2026
Apply now See programme details
07 / FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are the programmes free?

Yes. There are no fees, and we take no stake in your business.

Is the grant a loan?

No. It isn't repaid, and it's paid directly to suppliers in two tranches.

Do I need a licence beforehand?

No. Licensing is part of the programme.

Can I run the business from home?

Yes, once you have food-safety approvals, and we support you in getting them.

Do I need to live in Al Ain City?

No. You can apply even if you live outside Al Ain City, as long as the business is in Al Ain City.

My idea is outside the four themes. Can I apply?

Not at the moment. Register your interest and we'll tell you about upcoming programmes.

Have an idea? Start here.

Explore upcoming programmes