The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has officially opened applications for its Seed program. Sheraa is welcoming tech-enabled startups that are looking to achieve product market fit and become seed ready.

The application process adopts a funnel-like approach, where applicants are classified as either Seed or Pre-seed. Seed startups that closely fit the program requirements are requested to send in a video pitch to be assessed and scored. The highest score ranking teams are then invited to pitch in front of a panel of investors. Based on the scores, certain startups will be selected to join the program.

Additionally, startups at an earlier stage (Pre-seed) that applied, will also receive a checklist of milestones they need to reach in order to qualify for the seed-program at a later stage. Pre-seed teams will be provided with tools & resources to help them build their business, this includes monthly coaching hours, legal office hours and a subsidized licensing package.

The 6-week structured program is designed to cover various topics including building a Product Market Fit roadmap, Investment strategy and Go-To-Market strategy. Moreover, the applicants will be equipped to plan and activate investor relations and a seed fundraising strategy. Post program, Sheraa will ensure goals are met by conducting monthly meetings in the upcoming 12 to 18 months.

Additional benefits of the Sheraa Seed program include, the opportunity to receive cash grants up to $10,000, discounted licensing packages and access to Sheraa’s co-working space in the American University of Sharjah, University City.

Teams interested in applying to the program must meet the following criteria:

• Have a working minimum viable product
• Have a tech enabled and scalable startup
• Commit to the program and ideally be based in the UAE

The Sheraa Seed program is open to all nationalities and can be applied through www.sheraa.ae/seed. Applications close on February 15th, 2020. Startups looking to meet the Sheraa team prior to applying, can attend the Sheraa Roadshow at the Youth x Hub on February 10^th, 2020. Calendar bookings are available through the Sheraa Instagram page @SheraaSharjah.