Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), under the vision and patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sheraa, has announced the launch of the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF). This initiative aims to enhance women's leadership in entrepreneurship by providing a platform to scale their impact and drive significant change within their communities and beyond.
According to Emirates News Agency, the fellowship, launched on August 28, is designed to identify, accelerate, and support high-potential women founders ready to expand their entrepreneurial impact. Registration for this exclusive programme is open until October 5, and interested applicants can apply via the official website.
The fellowship extends Sheraa's legacy of promoting gender equity and women's empowerment, with 52% of its portfolio led by female entrepreneurs, a figure exceeding global averages. The programme aligns with Sheraa's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout their journey by providing essential resources, mentorship, and networks necessary for success.
Scheduled to run from November 2025 to February 2026, the 16-week programme will gather a select cohort of 12 outstanding founders who have already demonstrated their ventures' viability and are prepared to scale their impact. The curriculum, based on a '4D framework'-Discover, Define, Develop, and Deepen-blends personal leadership development with practical venture-building. It includes ecosystem engagement activities such as the 'Founder's Practice Lab', investor roadshows, immersive leadership retreats, and opportunities to present at flagship events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival.
Sheikha Bodour emphasized Sharjah's role in championing women's empowerment and leadership. She stated that the fellowship serves as a development space and a platform for entrepreneurs to create opportunities that contribute to a diverse economy and a stronger society.
Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, highlighted that the fellowship places women entrepreneurs at the centre of the nation's growth story, equipping them with capital, mentorship, and influence to scale confidently, thereby strengthening the UAE economy.
Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, described SWIF as an investment in leadership that will define the region's next growth chapter. She extended an invitation to women founders ready to accelerate their ventures and expand their influence.
The fellowship will provide an AED500,000 equity-free grant, funded by the family of the late Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fikri, former WHO Regional Director, to support women founders in scaling ventures that benefit society. This grant reflects Dr. Fikri's values of empowerment and impact.
Ultimately, SWIF reinforces Sheraa's commitment to building an ecosystem where women founders have the resources, networks, and influence to create meaningful and lasting change, positioning Sharjah as a global hub for innovation, investment, and economic diversification.