SBWC and Sheraa concludes the ‘Business Readiness Bootcamp' unlocking women's entrepreneurial potential
The five-day intensive bootcamp programme focused on practical business skills.
It covered legal frameworks, marketing, financial management, and pitching techniques.
Participants receive expert mentorship and hands-on workshops.
The programme supports women to build strong networks and gives access to ongoing support.
Mariam Bin Al Sheikh: The partnership with Sheraa embodies a shared vision to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their participation in Sharjah's thriving startup ecosystem
Abeer AlAmeeri: The programme strengthens Sharjah's position as a global hub for inclusive entrepreneurship, ensuring that women founders have the platform and resources to thrive
Sharjah, The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) have successfully concluded the Business Readiness Bootcamp, a collaborative initiative designed to accelerate the growth of women-led startups and foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sharjah.
Held over five intensive days, the bootcamp brought together aspiring and early-stage female entrepreneurs for a practical and immersive programme covering essential areas of business development. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions focused on legal frameworks, marketing strategy, financial planning, fundraising, and pitching—culminating in one-on-one pitch rehearsals with seasoned mentors.
Shared vision to empower women entrepreneurs
Commenting on the announcement of the bootcamp, Mariam Bin Al Sheikh, Director of SBWC, said, 'Our partnership with Sheraa embodies a shared vision to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their participation in Sharjah's thriving startup ecosystem. The bootcamp provided a launchpad for women to enhance their role as influential leaders, driving innovation and sustainable development across the UAE. By providing essential knowledge and real-world skills, we offered tailored support to female entrepreneurs, enabling them to turn their ideas into impactful ventures that contribute to economic growth.'
Sharjah – A global hub for inclusive entrepreneurship
Abeer AlAmeeri, Head of Partnership and programs at Sheraa, highlighted the strategic role Sheraa plays in nurturing women-led startups, saying, 'At Sheraa, we believe in unlocking human potential to drive positive change across society. Our mission is to nurture visionary entrepreneurs by providing them with tailored support, mentorship, as well as access to our diverse ecosystem, helping them transform ideas into impactful ventures. This initiative and partnership with SBWC also strengthens Sharjah's position as a global hub for inclusive entrepreneurship, ensuring that women founders have the platform and resources to thrive.'
Providing comprehensive skills and development
The five-day intensive bootcamp addressed the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs by providing comprehensive training that spans critical aspects of business development. Guided by experts in their respective fields, the curriculum thoughtfully covered core modules including legal and licensing frameworks, marketing and branding strategies, financial management and fundraising. The course also highlighted effective strategies for pitch development and storytelling.
The legal and licensing module ensured participants are well-versed in the foundational legalities of running a business and provided a better understanding of company structures, intellectual property rights, contracts, as well as compliance requirements.
The marketing module focused on crafting cohesive strategies, creating compelling content, and mastering digital platforms to effectively reach target audiences.
Financial workshops unlocked skills and confidence when it comes to budgeting, cash flow management, and investor engagement, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to secure funding and manage resources prudently.
The bootcamp culminated in personalised one-on-one pitch rehearsals with seasoned mentors, where participants refine their storytelling and presentation skills to confidently communicate their business ideas to potential investors and stakeholders.
Supporting female-led startups on every step of their journey
Beyond the bootcamp itself, graduates will also become part of Sheraa's thriving entrepreneurship community, which offers ongoing support tailored to their evolving needs. This ever-growing network directly connects entrepreneurs with industry experts, investors, and fellow founders, creating an enabling environment that facilitates knowledge exchange, collaboration, and sustainable business growth. By integrating participants into this ecosystem, the programme ensures that women continue to receive guidance and opportunities long after the bootcamp concludes, supporting their ventures at every stage of development.
On the macro-scale, the Business Readiness Bootcamp aligns with the UAE's broader vision and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) building upon a culture that champions diversity and inclusion. Through collaborative efforts like this, SBWC and Sheraa are proactively strengthening Sharjah's entrepreneurial landscape while positioning female-led startups as key drivers of the emirate's sustainable economic future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
21 minutes ago
- The National
Clean start: UAE hotel soaps recycled in drive to cut waste and boost hygiene
Each year, hotels across the UAE throw away an estimated 16 million bars of soap – many after just a single use. Now, a growing number of hotels are signing up to a grassroots recycling programme that is tackling the waste head-on, transforming used soap into new bars for communities in need. Launched in 2023, the Unisoap UAE initiative – powered by sustainability platform Goumbook and modelled on a French non-profit – is offering a rare win-win: cutting hospitality waste while boosting hygiene access for vulnerable groups. 'It's a practical solution that serves both people and planet,' says Goumbook founder Tatiana Antonelli Abella. 'And it's gaining momentum.' So far, Goumbook has distributed 10,000 recycled soaps under the initiative. Leading hotel brands supporting the campaign include Atlantis Dubai - which operates Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal - Saadiyat Rotana and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. "We are proud to partner with Goumbook and Unisoap UAE to help transform soap that would otherwise be destined for the landfill into new soap bars for disadvantaged communities,' said Kelly Timmins, director of marine animal operations and sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, in a testimony shared on Goumbook's website. From luxury waste to vital resource Globally, 2.3 billion people still lack basic handwashing facilities at home, according to the World Health Organisation. Yet, in hotel suites across the world, soaps are routinely tossed out after a single use. 'We realised that soap is not just waste, it's a resource made from water and natural materials and it's vital for hygiene,' Ms Abella told The National. After early experiments with local start-ups, Goumbook formed a strategic partnership with Unisoap in France, leveraging its technical expertise to launch the UAE arm of the project. Today, the initiative works with 15 hotels, including major names such as Atlantis The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, Shangri-La Dubai, Rotana Saadiyat and Centara Mirage, with more coming on board. How soap is recycled Housekeeping staff are trained to separate used soaps into branded Unisoap boxes. These are collected monthly by recycling partners, then delivered to a soap lab where each bar undergoes a meticulous cleaning process: the outer layer is grated off by hand, soaps are thoroughly washed and then remanufactured – without mixing brands, colours or scents. 'The result is a high-quality bar that looks and smells just like new,' said Ms Abella. 'And crucially, there's no plastic or packaging involved.' Zero waste, big impact In keeping with World Environment Day's 2025 theme – cutting single-use plastic – Unisoap UAE goes beyond soap. Used hotel bed linens and towels are repurposed into washbags or reusable sponges to accompany the soaps in hygiene kits, distributed unpackaged to eliminate waste. The initiative reflects the UAE's increasing alignment with circular economy principles and environmental goals. 'We've designed this project to work hand in hand with national sustainability targets,' said Ms Abella. 'It's a practical solution that creates both environmental and social value.' So far, more than three tonnes of soap have been recycled through the initiative, benefiting low-income communities during Ramadan, as well as organisations such as the Al Ihsan Foundation in Sharjah, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, the Giving Family, Amal Community and Happy Happy. Empowering women and educating communities The social impact is just as important as the environmental one. Unisoap UAE targets women and children as key recipients, and engages women in every level of the process – from hotel housekeeping staff to charity partners and end users. 'We often forget that not everyone has access to something as basic as soap,' said Ms Abella. 'Through this initiative, we also raise awareness about hygiene – how and why it matters.' The project operates through a combination of hotel contributions and corporate sponsorships. Sponsors can fund the production and distribution of soaps to specific communities while Goumbook covers early-stage costs to prove concepts and scale up. There are also plans ready to expand the model to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where interest is growing. Call to action: Join the circular economy To mark the Year of Community, Goumbook is organising clean-ups and community events across the UAE and is inviting residents to volunteer, donate or share ideas for future projects. Soap is just one piece of the puzzle, said Ms Abella. 'If we can change how we view waste – whether it's a bar of soap or a discarded towel – we can make a real difference. And we'd love more people to join us.'
The National
26 minutes ago
- The National
Team Abu Dhabi cap brilliant cricket season with D10 title
Team Abu Dhabi capped a remarkable domestic season by winning the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) D10 competition. Abu Dhabi defeated Sharjah by seven wickets in the final after restricting their opponents to 87-5 in their 10 overs. The capital side chased down the target inside seven overs, with captain Rohan Mustafa top-scoring with 36. Mustafa continued his brilliant form in the tournament which included a record-breaking 13-ball half-century. He was named the player of the final and the tournament. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali had earlier left his mark on the tournament with an astonishing spell of five wickets for no runs in two overs during the semi-final against Fujairah. Team Abu Dhabi's D10 winning line-up featured two graduates of Zayed Cricket Academy, Ethan D'Souza and Vishal Saravanan. Victory capped what is being hailed as the most successful season at the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) and for its renowned Zayed Cricket Academy (ZCA). The 2024/25 campaign saw other major achievements across with Team Abu Dhabi also emerging champions in the ECB D50 tournament and reaching the semi-finals of the ECB D20. Zayed Cricket Academy U19 side were declared champions of the ECB National League while the U16s were runners-up in the National League. 'This D10 title is a huge validation of our model,' said Matt Boucher, CEO of ADCSH. 'These are not just success stories for board meetings and presentations – they are real, on-the-field wins. Team Abu Dhabi's achievements are proof that long-term investment in player development through Zayed Cricket Academy is delivering tangible results. Our coaching staff, especially those working behind the scenes, deserve huge credit for turning potential into podiums. 'Special acknowledgment and our thanks goes to Ruan Bohalmann from Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, whose exceptional team management skills were instrumental in guiding Team Abu Dhabi through the D10 campaign with focus and unity.' Bohlmann added: 'This season reflects the spirit of sport that we continue to build in Abu Dhabi – grassroots development feeding elite performance. 'The success of Team Abu Dhabi and Zayed Cricket Academy is something the whole emirate can be proud of. As the region cements its status as a sporting powerhouse, this record-setting season confirms that Abu Dhabi is not just hosting top-tier cricket – we are building it, nurturing it, and winning with it. 'This title wasn't won by individuals – it was earned through true teamwork. Every player gave 100 per cent in all departments – batting, bowling, and fielding. It's the collective effort, determination, and commitment of the Team Abu Dhabi squad that made this possible. 'I hope this experience also gave ZCA youngsters Ethan D'Souza and Vishal Saravanan valuable insight into what to expect and what's expected as they progress in their cricketing journeys.' Team Abu Dhabi had earlier celebrated winning the D50 title in April. The Abu Dhabi side defeated Fujairah in the 50-over competition final in Ajman. There, Fujairah were bowled out for 214 before Team Abu Dhabi chasing down the target in 36 overs with five wickets in hand. Captain and UAE cricket veteran Mustafa top-scored for the winners there as well, hitting 45 from just 28 balls. Team Abu Dhabi had also won the D20 title in 2023.
The National
40 minutes ago
- The National
Woman in UAE buys 'clocked' Mercedes with 145,000km dialled back
A woman who was sold an imported car with a tampered mileage clock has warned other used car buyers to complete a full history check before purchasing a second-hand vehicle. In March 2023 Emilia Cosbuc, a personal trainer from Romania, bought her dream car, a Mercedes C200, from a dealership in Sharjah. The 2016 model vehicle had 92,000km on the clock and was offered with a one-year warranty. After a smooth test drive, Ms Cosbuc handed over Dh90,000 for the luxury saloon. There was no indication of any serious mechanical faults until January 2025, when she started to experience engine problems, thinking the car had 150,327km on the clock at this point. When a mechanic assessed the vehicle, the full reality of the car's chequered history became clear. Records showed that it had been involved in several accidents, and a major collision in August 2022. Further online records showed the car was imported from South Africa and sold on at auction in the UAE for $1,700 in November 2022. Then it had 236,748km on its odometer; but four months later, when the car was sold to Ms Cosbuc, the clock showed nearly 145,000km fewer than that. Rather than the car having travelled 150,327km when it began to have engine problems, as Ms Cosbuc thought, it had actually done 295,027km - a significant and dangerous difference, as 250,000km is generally considered to be the point at which a vehicle has gone through significant wear and tear. 'Initially the car looked great, the test drive was smooth, and the seller gave me a one-year warranty contract - I trusted them and happily bought the car,' Ms Cosbuc, who lives in Abu Dhabi, told The National. 'When my car engine needed a major repair, the garage discovered its real history. I spoke to the auction house, which verified the car was sold to an individual in November 2022. "The photos of the car's odometer show 236,748km, which means it had been tampered with by the time I bought it. Selling a vehicle with an altered odometer reading and a concealed accident history puts unsuspecting buyers at serious financial and safety risks.' Victims of fraud have the right to seek compensation for damages, which can cover financial losses and emotional distress. Ms Cosbuc is facing a repair bill of Dh30,000 to get the car back on the road. As the vehicle is considerably more used than she believed, she asked for compensation from the dealership that sold the vehicle and lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Economy. The company said it was an honest mistake, and admitted they should have completed a more thorough check of the car's history. It has since changed its policy to ensure all cars purchased to be sold on are fully researched, and paid Ms Cosbuc Dh40,000 in compensation. Fines Car-sale fraud is a criminal offence in the UAE, with legal penalties including imprisonment and fines governed by the UAE's Consumer Protection Law and Commercial Transactions Law. Odometer tampering is the practice of rolling back a car's odometer to make it appear to have a lower mileage, to artificially inflate its value. There is huge demand for used cars across the UAE, with each emirate operating its own safety checks and records for imported vehicles. According to Credence Research, the UAE's used car market was worth $20.15 billion in 2022, and is expected to climb to $48.14 billion by 2030. Several e-commerce sites used to advertise second-hand vehicles for sale are improving their transparency when it comes to a car's history. Despite that, experts say buyers should conduct their own checks on any used vehicle before handing over their cash. 'This market can be a bit of a minefield, so buyers need to be careful,' said Ryan Hughes, co-owner of RMA Motors in Dubai. 'If the car is from the GCC it's usually a bit easier to track its history, if it's imported it can be more difficult. "There are a lot of imported cars that are crash repaired from America, Europe and Canada, and also stolen cars from Canada. A lot of these cars have mileage manipulation, with clocked cars usually coming from North America and Europe.' Pre-purchase safety checks As the traffic departments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are not connected, it can be difficult to maintain consistency in export papers to show any discrepancies in a vehicle's mileage. To check for any mileage manipulation, buyers can check a car's control unit with a mechanic to ensure its chassis number matches what is printed on the car. That can help ensure the mileage matches up with what is on each control unit on the odometer. 'On some cars you can access what is called a service reset counter to make sure that the amount of service resets match the kilometres recorded,' said Mr Hughes. 'On a Mercedes you can see if the service intervals have been once a year or every 15,000km. If it was a three or four-year-old car, you could see it would have had three or four service resets in that time, so you could make an estimate of what the kilometres should be. "But if a car had 25 service resets, for example, you would know it should have 250,000km or more. It's really about just doing your due diligence from the paperwork you have on the vehicle's history, as well as a standard inspection and technical evaluation.'
