In the wake of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and as part of the UAE government’s preventative measures to curb its spread, Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), an affiliate of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), has unveiled a new initiative to move its popular #SBWCTours campaign onto a virtual platform to enable it to stay connected with businesswomen across Sharjah and beyond.

Launched last week, #SBWCVirtualTours, takes forward SBWC’s commitment to support its 2,000+ membership with business counselling and continue expanding their business knowledge to help them adapt to new business strategies in light of the challenges posed by a global public health crisis.

Held thrice weekly, #SBWCVirtualTours platform harnesses the potential of technology to keep its membership connected and strengthen their professional relationships by sharing insights about their businesses, exchange ideas about business adaptation strategies in response to COVID-19, and offer tips on boosting growth in the current business climate with other entrepreneurs.

Interested members, representing different business sectors, will convene at a pre-determined time and date. The outcome of these meetings will be shared on SBWC’s social media channels.

The kickoff session of #SBWCVirtualTours last week was with Amna Al Mulla, founder of Wildflower Calligraphy. Amna shared her realistic expectations of how to steer her business that offers custom-made calligraphy designs on notebooks, cards and tags in keeping with the evolving needs, expectations and purchasing decisions of her clientele.

Another #SBWCVirtualTours session hosted with Khawla Al Serkal, founder of The Boutique Spa, who affirmed that the greatest priority now is to be committed to the health and wellbeing of guests and team members.

The next #SBWCVirtualTours meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

According to Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBWC, “Even as COVID-19 continues to disrupt lives across the globe, through #SBWCVirtualTours, SBWC has developed its remote working strategy to adapt to the changing tides of life and continue with its holistic approach of supporting female-owned and led businesses. This is in line with the directives and vision of our founder and patron, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, to drive full integration of businesswomen in the economy and promote a culture of sustainable female entrepreneurship in Sharjah and the UAE.”

“For women entrepreneurs, #SBWCVirtualTours serves as a great platform to leverage on the services and offerings provided by SBWC and to work together to improve business resilience, accelerate digital transformations, and protect growth and profitability,” she added.

Going forward, #SBWCVirtualTours will continue to provide both aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesswomen the guidance needed to venture and expand into their fields of interest. The platform will also facilitate effective virtual engagement to share ideas, challenges, advice and expertise within the larger community of female business owners.

SBWC launched #SBWCTours on November 19 last year, marking Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. The initiative aims to introduce SBWC’s activities, services and offerings to businesswomen and entrepreneurs who want to grow and expand their projects. The campaign also seeks to connect and regularly communicate with businesswomen in the local community who have started their businesses in Sharjah.

To know more, and to register for #SBWCVirtualTours, please contact us via email: membership@sbwc.ae or call us on 055-1237292.