The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), in collaboration with the School of Business Administration at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), recently convened prominent government officials, entrepreneurs, and experts to champion the integration of corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship within the UAE. The fourth dialogue forum, titled “Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship: Pathways for Vision and Opportunities,” highlighted a strategic push to encourage local companies to adopt sustainable and impactful business models that contribute directly to the community.
A Call to Educate Investors, Not Just Founders
Speaking as an entrepreneur, H.E. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah and co-founder of Seafood Souq, offered a critical perspective on the current ecosystem. He noted a prevailing culture where entrepreneurs often turn to the government for a safety net rather than engaging the private sector when facing challenges. To shift this paradigm, Sheikh Fahim argued that the focus needs to be on educating investors. “This success is more linked to educating investors than to educating entrepreneurs,” he stated, emphasizing the need for robust strategies to connect social enterprises with private capital and build a more self-reliant ecosystem.
The Three Pillars of Social Entrepreneurship
H.E. Sara Shoo, Director of the National Fund for Social Responsibility “Majra,” outlined a clear framework for building a robust social enterprise sector. She explained that social entrepreneurship is structured around three core pillars: policy governance, capacity building, and financing. Shoo clarified that capacity building involves academia and research, while financing extends beyond monetary support to include services, volunteering, and mentorship. She stressed the importance of greater engagement from the private sector and highlighted the pivotal role women play in strengthening communities and bridging the gap between traditional CSR and social entrepreneurship.
Unlocking Economic Opportunity Through Impact
Experts at the forum identified social entrepreneurship as a significant and largely untapped economic opportunity for the UAE. Dr. Jamila Maloul, Assistant Professor at AUS, described social entrepreneurs as “innovators ready to build from the ground up,” suggesting that corporate CSR initiatives can be effectively channeled to support these ventures, positively impacting revenues and fostering social cohesion. Supporting this view, Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of the AUS School of Business, spoke on impact investing, noting that key challenges include a fragmented landscape and the need for improved financial literacy. She advocated for early education, stating, “Early exposure to the fundamentals and creating structured paths for high school students to develop their entrepreneurial skills will support their transition into universities and social entrepreneurship.”
Customized Support and Transparency are Key
Salma Gharama, Director of Social Enterprises at the Authority of Social Contribution (Ma’an), cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach. She emphasized that startups at different stages require tailored support and that building an ecosystem based on trust and transparency is paramount. Gharama advocated for a dedicated marketplace that effectively connects social entrepreneurs with impact-driven investors, ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources and support. The session was part of an ongoing series by SBWC and AUS aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs and fostering knowledge exchange to drive positive change in the UAE’s business landscape.
About Sharjah Business Women Council
The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) is a prominent organization dedicated to empowering women in business and entrepreneurship within the Emirate of Sharjah and across the UAE. Operating under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, SBWC provides a wide range of services, including training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources to help women launch, manage, and grow their businesses.
Source: Sharjah24
