The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation ‘Ruwad’, operating under the Sharjah Economic Development Department, has launched the 13th edition of its annual “Business Stars” initiative. The three-week program aims to cultivate a culture of freelance work and entrepreneurship among the next generation, featuring 60 projects from 120 school and university students across the UAE.
The initiative is organized in collaboration with Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah as part of the Suburbs Festival 14.
A Platform For The Next Generation
The opening ceremony, held at Al Qarayen Park 5 in Sharjah, was attended by HE Hamad Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, who toured the student projects and engaged with the young participants about their entrepreneurial ideas.
Al Mahmoud emphasized that the Business Stars initiative serves as a unique incubator and a supportive platform for students, providing a stimulating environment to develop their skills, unleash their creative ambitions, and translate them into pioneering projects.
A Structured Three-Week Program
Running from December 5th to 25th to coincide with the first semester school holiday, the current edition is uniquely structured into three consecutive phases. Each phase targets a specific age group to provide tailored exposure and experience.
The first week, from December 5th to 11th, is dedicated to primary school students aged 10 to 15. The second week, from December 12th to 18th, will feature projects from high school and university students aged 16 to 21. The final week, from December 19th to 25th, will be open to all school and university levels, including members of the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah.
Fostering Innovation and Commercial Acumen
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation “Ruwad,” stated, “We look forward to organizing a distinguished edition of the initiative that aligns with Ruwad’s vision to spread the culture of entrepreneurship, develop commercial behavior among students, and encourage them to generate innovative ideas and refine their skills as the generation that will lead development and innovation in the future.”
Al Ali also noted that the initiative strengthens partnerships between schools, universities, families, and government institutions.
To ensure a high standard, projects will undergo a daily evaluation by specialized judges based on criteria including innovation, financial management, marketing, and adherence to regulations. All participating students attended a series of introductory workshops prior to the launch to enhance their marketing skills and ensure the success of their participation.
About Ruwad’s Business Stars Initiative
The “Business Stars” initiative is an annual program by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation ‘Ruwad’ designed to immerse students from schools and universities in the world of entrepreneurship. It provides a practical platform for young participants to develop, showcase, and manage small-scale business projects in a real-world environment. The program aims to instill a commercial mindset, encourage innovation, and equip the next generation with the foundational skills needed to succeed in the business landscape.
Source: Sharjah 24
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