The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has announced the inaugural Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF), an initiative launched under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sheraa. The program is designed to identify, accelerate, and champion high-potential women founders who are ready to scale their impact and drive meaningful change.
Program Overview and Mission
The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship is a 16-week program that will bring together a curated cohort of 12 exceptional founders who have already proven their venture’s viability. The mission is to create a platform that turns the success of each entrepreneur into an opportunity to open new pathways for others, contributing to a more diverse economy and a stronger society. As Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi stated, “We are entering a new phase of empowerment, one where women’s success becomes a platform that elevates society toward broader horizons of growth and innovation.”.
What Participants Will Receive
This fellowship is an investment in leadership and provides a powerful platform for scaling impact. Participants will receive:
- An AED 500,000 equity-free grant, generously endowed by the family of the late Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fikri.
- A structured curriculum based on a “4D framework”: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deepen, blending personal leadership with practical venture-building.
- Participation in the ‘Founder’s Practice Lab’, high-level policy and investor roadshows, and immersive leadership retreats.
- Exclusive opportunities to present at flagship events such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival.
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to women founders from across the UAE who are leading ventures from tech startups to small and medium enterprises. Applicants should:
- Have already proven their venture’s viability.
- Be ready to scale their impact.
- Be committed to establishing and growing a presence in Sharjah.
Key Dates and How to Apply
Application Deadline: Registration for this exclusive fellowship will close on October 5, 2025.
Program Dates: The 16-week program will run from November 2025 to February 2026.
How to Apply: Interested applicants are invited to apply via the official website
About the Organizer
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has a proven legacy of supporting gender equity, with 52% of its portfolio led by female entrepreneurs—a figure that far exceeds global averages. “The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship places women entrepreneurs at the very center of our nation’s growth story,” said H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa. “It equips them with the capital, mentorship, and influence to scale with confidence and purpose.”.
Source: Zawya
