Sheraa launches new facility and accelerator plan for entrepreneurs

Shaikha Bodour and other officials at the launch of the facility in Sharjah.

By Staff Report

Published: Wed 5 Oct 2016, 8:46 PM

Last updated: Wed 5 Oct 2016, 10:50 PM

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on Wednesday unveiled its new facility in the American University of Sharjah, as well as its flagship accelerator programme to empower UAE entrepreneurs.
The event was held under the patronage of Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, and chairperson of Sheraa. The new headquarter spans 650sqm and serves as an expansive co-working space where creativity is fostered in an exuberant environment.
The new collaborative co-working space brings together the community of entrepreneurs not only in Sharjah, but nationwide, to facilitate knowledge sharing and idea generation. Visitors will find that each corner of the hub is dedicated to a pillar in Sheraa's vision as an entrepreneurship center. The open plan space is utilised by students and entrepreneurs alike to meet and create, with an in-house coffee shop making sure that energy levels never fall low. The seminar room provides a dedicated platform for inspirational speakers to come in and address the youth, while the coding room is where all hard skills can be learnt.
Najla Al Midfa, general manager of Sheraa, explains that the invigorating environment reflects Sheraa's approach to inspiring the next wave of entrepreneurs: "We strongly believe that infusing a positive entrepreneurial spirit in today's youth - through their immediate surrounding and resourceful guidance - will help identify their roles in the thriving start-up community. We are committed to ensuring that when young members walk out of this beautiful facility, they imbibe the relevant skills, wealth of mentorship and the confidence to make the world a better and stronger place."
Sheraa's flagship accelerator program and its first cohort was also announced during the launch and will start on the October 15. Following preliminary selection rounds where 19 teams were shortlisted, the three-month long, mentorship-driven accelerator will be a hands-on, idea-to-startup journey for young entrepreneurs. The teams will be supported with business connections and benefits such as office space, free trade license, access to investors and more, that will transform unique ideas into a living business reality.
Sheraa's accelerator program is the first in the country to be situated within a university, offering a distinct advantage for engaging young students and channeling their fresh perspective towards a tangible business proposition. The new hub will continue to function as an incubator for promising start-ups, and house a 'skill-development' academy to bridge the skills gap between the university and workplace. It will also host workshops and expert talks to initiate a ripple effect of self-reflection and personal development amongst new and upcoming entrepreneurs.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com