The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) played an important role at this year’s Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025, leaving a lasting impact through its sponsorship and active participation. As a key partner of the event, sponsoring the “Made in Sharjah” zone, sponsoring Startup and F&B Pods, and hosting a standout panel discussion, alongside its interactive pavilion, SBWC underscored its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.

Reflecting on the success of their participation, Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said, “The true power of entrepreneurship lies in the connections we build and the opportunities we create for others. Our mission is to ensure that women entrepreneurs are not just participants in the economy but leaders shaping its future, and SEF 2025 was a testament to what happens when collaboration meets ambition. I am proud to see women at the heart of this transformation.”

 

SBWC launches their ‘NMU Initiative’

During SEF 2025, SBWC also announced the ‘NMU Initiative’, aptly named to signify “growth” in Arabic, and serves to empower female entrepreneurs in Sharjah by providing them with exclusive opportunities and platforms to promote their services and sell their products. This initiative is designed to nurture economic empowerment, enhance business visibility, and create meaningful networking opportunities for women-led businesses in the emirate.

In line with this newly launched initiative, SBWC also sponsored six Startup Pods as well as one retail and one F&B Pod at the festival. These pods provided emerging businesses with an exclusive space to showcase their innovative offerings, connect with potential customers, and gain exposure to investors and mentors.

Highlighting the achievements of women-led businesses and startups

Through its sponsorship of the “Made in Sharjah” Zone, SBWC showcased its dedication to elevating local talent and entrepreneurial excellence. This zone, supported by the Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Bank of Sharjah, served as a platform to highlight the achievements of women-led businesses and startups, celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of Sharjah’s business women. Visitors to the zone were inspired by success stories, innovative products, and powerful narratives that reinforced the contributions women make to entrepreneurial sectors.

SBWC’s interactive pavilion was another highlight of its participation at SEF 2025, offering attendees an engaging experience and showcasing the council’s key initiatives and programs aimed at supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs. Through interactive displays and meaningful conversations, visitors gained valuable insights into the resources and opportunities SBWC provides for emerging businesses.

A standout moment during SEF 2025 was a panel discussion featuring Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, alongside other notable speakers, including Mohamed Khadiri, CEO, Bank of Sharjah; Mohamad Al Musharrakh, CEO, Invest in Sharjah. This discussion covered key themes related to entrepreneurship, innovation, and fostering opportunities for business growth, providing actionable insights inspiring attendees to think about the future of their ventures.