The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has launched the ‘Sheraa Membership’, a unified system designed to give founders continuous access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and ecosystem resources. The initiative is a key part of Sheraa’s 2030 vision to support 1,000 ventures and facilitate AED 50 million in commercial deals for businesses based in the emirate.
Quick Facts
- 2030 Vision: Support 1,000 ventures in Sharjah.
- Commercial Goal: Facilitate AED 50 million in deals.
- 2026-27 Target: Onboard up to 400 members.
A Single Platform for Every Stage
The Sheraa Membership program consolidates the center’s founder support ecosystem into a single, integrated platform. The goal is to move beyond individual program cycles and provide ongoing support as a business evolves, from idea validation to growth and expansion.
By creating a more connected experience, the membership allows founders to access tailored programs, expert guidance, and community connections relevant to their specific stage. Applications for the annual membership are open on a rolling basis to entrepreneurs of all nationalities who are interested in establishing or growing their ventures in Sharjah.
How the Membership Works
The program is structured across sequential stages, each with defined entry and exit criteria to provide founders with a clear progression framework. Members follow a guided curriculum and a task-based roadmap, supported by regular in-person sessions with Sheraa’s network of advisors and partners.
The membership offers three interconnected layers of support:
- Operational Support: Discounted licensing and co-working access, in addition to rent concessions, accommodation, insurance, and education discounts.
- Knowledge Building: Hands-on learning through masterclasses, business clinics, sprint labs, one-on-one advisory sessions, and regular office hours.
- Ecosystem Access: Introductions to investors, access to Sharjah’s procurement platform, trade missions, and participation in events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival.
A Commitment to Founder Growth
The new model reflects a shift towards providing sustained, long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs.
“Sheraa Membership is, at its core, a commitment to the founder,” said H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa. “Every entrepreneur who walks through our doors can expect access to a program, and a sustained partnership that grows with them at every stage, from their first idea through to scale. As Sheraa enters its next decade, we are focused on broadening our impact through this membership.”
The announcement was made during a gathering of founders and ecosystem stakeholders at the Sheraa HQ in Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). The event included a roundtable with entrepreneurs from Sheraa’s community, such as RAWA Wellness, Eshara AI, and Little Sprouties, who discussed the role of community in scaling their businesses.
About Sheraa
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is a government-backed entity dedicated to building a strong and globally-connected startup ecosystem in Sharjah. It supports entrepreneurs by providing a launchpad for their ventures and offering access to mentorship, resources, and market opportunities. The center’s goals align with Sharjah’s strategic priorities to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
Source: My Startup World
