Latest news with #SBWC
Gulf Today
16-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
SBWC, Sheraa bootcamp drives growth of women-led startups
The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (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. 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.' Abeer Al Ameeri, Head of Partnership and programmes 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.' 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 rehearsals with seasoned mentors, where participants refine their storytelling and presentation skills to confidently communicate their business ideas to potential investors. 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. The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) began 2025 with a series of events that embody its commitment to empowering women in business and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The events, held in January, highlighted SBWC's dedication to inclusivity, collaboration, and the provision of essential resources for its members. On 16th January 2025, SBWC hosted 'Your Voice, Our Vision' at the modern and inviting Lammah Space in Al Jada. This one-day event underscored the council's commitment to a member-centric approach by bringing together its vibrant community for dedicated focus group sessions. WAM
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
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.
Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SBWC and AUS discuss social entrepreneurship ecosystem
The roundtable was led by Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC; Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of School of Business at AUS; and featured a diverse group of prominent leaders and business founders including Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, Surgeon, SBWC member, entrepreneur and social development expert; Dr. Muna Al Suwaidi, Programs and Projects Advisor at the Ministry of Culture and Youth; Alya Saif Al Shamsi, Head of Marketing at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Mourad Ben Ayed, Strategy Director at A&B Advisory and Adjunct Faculty at AUS; Dr Jamal Maalouf, Assistant Professor at AUS Management, Strategy and Entrepreneurship department; Hala Al Gergawi, Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Teabeforenoon & Elevenish; Gergana Abdulrahman, Co-founder & CEO of Wild Fabrik; and Sonali Oshin Chopra and Pulpit Chopra, founders of Happiness Redefined. Bridging cultural and financial divides Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, emphasised the council's role in bridging cultural and financial divides, saying 'Entrepreneurs must first invest in their vision to inspire others. Sharjah's ecosystem offers mentorship, investor readiness programs, and strategic partnerships to turn ideas into impact.' Her remarks underscored SBWC's mission to dismantle barriers through education and collaboration, aligning with initiatives like the NMU Initiative, which empowers women-led businesses through networking and market access. Dr. Narjess Boubakri noted the importance of building a shared understanding of what defines a social entrepreneur, especially as the concept continues to evolve globally. She highlighted that while millions of social enterprises operate worldwide, the UAE now has a unique opportunity to shape its own definition and frameworks. 'With the nation's strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and impact, we are well-positioned to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs who align business success with social value,' she said. Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, a surgeon and social development expert, advocated for embedding social entrepreneurship into education systems: 'We must identify and nurture this mindset as early as high school, creating pipelines that mentor young innovators.' This vision aligns with global trends, which equip educators and entrepreneurs with frameworks for impact-driven ventures. People, planet and profit Dr. Jamal Maalouf challenged misconceptions saying, 'Adding 'social' to entrepreneurship doesn't make it charity. We're solving market gaps with a triple bottom line; people, planet, and profit.' Her call for standardised KPIs to measure societal impact resonated with discussions on certification frameworks, which validate genuine social enterprises and build stakeholder trust. Alya Saif Al Shamsi of Sheraa noted that impact is 'woven into every startup we support,' reflecting a broader corporate shift toward ethical business models, and described the efforts Sheraa has been taking through initiatives like the 'Sharjah Access Challenge' which uses challenge statements to motivate innovation and solutions that are focused and industry specific. Hala Al Gergawi, founder of luxury branding agency Teabeforenoon, urged cross-sector collaboration, saying 'Even 'non-social' businesses now prioritise sustainability. Let's leverage this momentum to co-create solutions.' Mourad Ben Ayed, Strategy Director at A&B Advisory, revealed efforts to create the UAE's first social enterprise database, a necessary step toward policy advocacy and visibility. Meanwhile, Sonali and Pulpit Chopra of 'Happiness Redefined' highlighted legal ambiguities, stating, 'Licensing and banking barriers stall innovation. We need tailored frameworks to distinguish social ventures from traditional LLCs or NGOs.' Gergana Abdulrahman, CEO of Wild Fabrik, spotlighted systemic hurdles through her experience saying, 'Funding designated for impact is scarce. Smaller businesses need accessible tools to measure sustainability and articulate their value.'. Participants echoed the need for hybrid financing models, moving beyond grants to embrace impact-linked loans and outcome-based contracts. Examples such as Abu Dhabi's Ma'an initiative were examined; offering grants up to AED 200,000; and were cited as benchmarks for scalable support. Looking towards the future The event culminated in a forward-looking dialogue on actionable strategies to strengthen the UAE's social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Key recommendations centered on establishing a unified certification framework to distinguish genuine social enterprises from conventional businesses, addressing concerns around 'social washing' while fostering credibility and investor trust. Emphasis was also placed on integrating social entrepreneurship into national procurement processes, allowing these ventures to scale through government and corporate contracts. These discussions have set the stage for a formalised sector that harmonises profit and purpose, positioning the UAE as a pillar of impactful enterprise in line with its Vision 2031 and global SDG commitments.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
3rd edition of SBWC and AUS Roundtable ignites dialogue on UAE's social entrepreneurship ecosystem
Sharjah: The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) convened their third roundtable in a proactive series aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs, this time focusing on the true potential of social entrepreneurship in Sharjah and the UAE. Held at AUS, the event hosted policymakers, academics, innovators, and founders to dissect challenges, celebrate progress, and chart a roadmap for a thriving social enterprise ecosystem. The roundtable was led by H.E. Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC; Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of School of Business at AUS; and featured a diverse group of prominent leaders and business founders including Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, Surgeon, SBWC member, entrepreneur and social development expert; Dr. Muna Al Suwaidi, Programs and Projects Advisor at the Ministry of Culture and Youth; Alya Saif Al Shamsi, Head of Marketing at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Mourad Ben Ayed, Strategy Director at A&B Advisory and Adjunct Faculty at AUS; Dr Jamal Maalouf, Assistant Professor at AUS Management, Strategy and Entrepreneurship department; Hala Al Gergawi, Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Teabeforenoon & Elevenish; Gergana Abdulrahman, Co-founder & CEO of Wild Fabrik; and Sonali Oshin Chopra and Pulpit Chopra, founders of Happiness Redefined. Bridging cultural and financial divides H.E. Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, emphasised the council's role in bridging cultural and financial divides, saying 'Entrepreneurs must first invest in their vision to inspire others. Sharjah's ecosystem offers mentorship, investor readiness programs, and strategic partnerships to turn ideas into impact.' Her remarks underscored SBWC's mission to dismantle barriers through education and collaboration, aligning with initiatives like the NMU Initiative, which empowers women-led businesses through networking and market access. Dr. Narjess Boubakri noted the importance of building a shared understanding of what defines a social entrepreneur, especially as the concept continues to evolve globally. She highlighted that while millions of social enterprises operate worldwide, the UAE now has a unique opportunity to shape its own definition and frameworks. 'With the nation's strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and impact, we are well-positioned to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs who align business success with social value,' she said. Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, a surgeon and social development expert, advocated for embedding social entrepreneurship into education systems: 'We must identify and nurture this mindset as early as high school, creating pipelines that mentor young innovators.' This vision aligns with global trends, which equip educators and entrepreneurs with frameworks for impact-driven ventures. People, planet and profit Dr. Jamal Maalouf challenged misconceptions saying, 'Adding 'social' to entrepreneurship doesn't make it charity. We're solving market gaps with a triple bottom line; people, planet, and profit.' Her call for standardised KPIs to measure societal impact resonated with discussions on certification frameworks, which validate genuine social enterprises and build stakeholder trust. Alya Saif Al Shamsi of Sheraa noted that impact is 'woven into every startup we support,' reflecting a broader corporate shift toward ethical business models, and described the efforts Sheraa has been taking through initiatives like the 'Sharjah Access Challenge' which uses challenge statements to motivate innovation and solutions that are focused and industry specific. Hala Al Gergawi, founder of luxury branding agency Teabeforenoon, urged cross-sector collaboration, saying 'Even 'non-social' businesses now prioritise sustainability. Let's leverage this momentum to co-create solutions.' Mourad Ben Ayed, Strategy Director at A&B Advisory, revealed efforts to create the UAE's first social enterprise database, a necessary step toward policy advocacy and visibility. Meanwhile, Sonali and Pulpit Chopra of 'Happiness Redefined' highlighted legal ambiguities, stating, 'Licensing and banking barriers stall innovation. We need tailored frameworks to distinguish social ventures from traditional LLCs or NGOs.' Gergana Abdulrahman, CEO of Wild Fabrik, spotlighted systemic hurdles through her experience saying, 'Funding designated for impact is scarce. Smaller businesses need accessible tools to measure sustainability and articulate their value.'. Participants echoed the need for hybrid financing models, moving beyond grants to embrace impact-linked loans and outcome-based contracts. Examples such as Abu Dhabi's Ma'an initiative were examined; offering grants up to AED 200,000; and were cited as benchmarks for scalable support. Looking towards the future The event culminated in a forward-looking dialogue on actionable strategies to strengthen the UAE's social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Key recommendations centered on establishing a unified certification framework to distinguish genuine social enterprises from conventional businesses, addressing concerns around 'social washing' while fostering credibility and investor trust. Emphasis was also placed on integrating social entrepreneurship into national procurement processes, allowing these ventures to scale through government and corporate contracts. These discussions have set the stage for a formalised sector that harmonises profit and purpose, positioning the UAE as a pillar of impactful enterprise in line with its Vision 2031 and global SDG commitments.
Gulf Today
25-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
SBWC drives innovation, global connections for businesswomen
The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) is concluding 2024 with an impressive portfolio of initiatives and events enhancing the role of women in business, spanning industries from technology and jewellery to real estate and automotive. The Council's activities reflect Sharjah and UAE's broader drive to empower women as key players in the nation's economic development, underpinned by a national growth strategy prioritising inclusivity and innovation. Milestones in 2024: In 2024, SBWC launched a programme to support women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector, providing opportunities to display their products at government institutions and public venues in Sharjah. The Council also took part in the Women's Entrepreneurship Forum in Moscow as part of Russia's BRICS presidency. Locally, it engaged with the Sharjah Economic Development Department to facilitate investments for businesswomen and enhance their economic contributions. Expanding horizons: SBWC organised a four-day trade mission to Mumbai culminating in a landmark 'Sharjah-India Women in Business Forum.' The mission facilitated business-to-business meetings, field visits, and a signed MoU with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry Ladies Organisation (FLO), fostering collaboration in the technology, fashion, food, and jewellery sectors. More than 70 businesswomen attended the forum, discussing challenges and avenues for cooperation. Sponsoring awards: SBWC has actively supported local and global initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs. At the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, the Council sponsored a workshop on design thinking and a social impact track, offering awards worth Dhs200,000 to support women-led ventures in technology and sustainability. Similarly, SBWC showcased the creative achievements of its members at the Azyan Exhibition, further cementing its role as a key supporter of women in the fashion and jewellery sectors. In March, the Council announced the formation of its new advisory board for the 2024–2026 term and organised the Sharjah-Malaysia Business Roundtable in February at the House of Wisdom. This event fostered cultural and commercial ties between Sharjah and Malaysia, furthering collaboration and creating opportunities for businesswomen in both regions. AI and the future: The Council has taken significant strides in promoting the role of advanced technologies among women entrepreneurs. In collaboration with the American University of Sharjah (AUS), SBWC launched a series of roundtable discussions to empower women and foster entrepreneurship in the UAE. The inaugural session in May delved into the challenges and opportunities within the female entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, the Council demonstrated its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies by hosting a specialised awareness session on AI. Dr. Gopal Kutwaroo led the session, which explored AI's transformative impact on business operations. Attendees gained insights into how AI can enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and elevate customer experiences. Expand North Star and Supernova: At the 'Expand North Star 2024' in Dubai, SBWC spotlighted eight tech startups led by its members, demonstrating innovative solutions in AI, health tech, and education. As a 'Women in Tech' partner, SBWC also sponsored a $10,000 award in the Supernova Challenge, MENA's largest startup pitch competition. Showcasing excellence in perfumes and jewellery SBWC played a pivotal role in the Emirates Perfumes & Oud Exhibition 2024, which showcased the works of eight distinguished members specialising in perfumes, candles, and F&B. The outreach continued during the Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show, which featured the work of five members in the luxury sectors. The participation boosted members' visibility and facilitated connections with local and global stakeholders. In September, during the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum in Belgium, SBWC signed an MoU with the European Women's Association to promote investment, knowledge exchange, and collaboration between the two sides. Celebrating Emirati women's achievements On Emirati Women's Day in August, SBWC hosted a networking event at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, encouraging collaboration among members and advisory board members, reflecting the theme 'We Collaborate for Tomorrow'. The Council organised a mini-exhibition in partnership with the Sharjah Archives, showcasing the success stories of six businesswomen. Initiatives and MoUs: Throughout 2024, the Council intensified its efforts to empower women entrepreneurs through strategic initiatives and partnerships. It signed a collaboration agreement with Expo Centre Sharjah to support its members' participation in specialised exhibitions hosted by the centre. This agreement also fosters cooperation across various sectors to promote sustainable development and enable businesswomen to expand and enhance their projects. Additionally, SBWC played a pivotal role in the second UAE Businesswomen Councils Forum, which took place in November in Abu Dhabi. Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, the Director of SBWC, along with other board members, participated in panel discussions highlighting the critical role of AI in advancing entrepreneurship and empowering women in the business sector. Women's empowerment: SBWC draws on the UAE's leadership in women's empowerment, with the nation recognised globally for advancing female participation across key sectors. Women's workforce participation grew by 16% in the first 10 months of 2024, with significant contributions in private-sector industries and leadership roles. Emirati women manage over 23,000 businesses worth AED 50 billion, hold 15% of board positions in chambers of commerce, and make up 66% of the government workforce, including 30% in leadership. These achievements reflect the UAE's commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.
