Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Pitch at EFE-NAMA Startup Event

On the 21st February, 2018, a group of aspiring women entrepreneurs from Sharjah, UAE, pitched their business ideas to a panel of experts in the second phase of the Badiri Business Entrepreneurship program (previously known as JEEL) implemented by EFE with support from NAMA Women Advancement Establishment. During the first stage of the program, participants undergo intensive training in Marketing, Management, and Operations. to help aspiring micro entrepreneurs put together their business plan by providing them with essential knowledge and a core set of business skills. At the pitch event, top candidates pitched their business idea and strategic plan to implement it, before a panel including CEOs, founders, and senior managers from top business firms in the UAE. The jurors would provide technical feedback and opportunities for to assess seed capital.

The Badiri program encourages the participation of Emirati women in the economy. In 2015, EFE and NAMA Women Advancement Establishment launched a partnership to encourage entrepreneurship among unemployed Emirati women residing in North Eastern and Central regions of Sharjah where there are limited formal job opportunities in the private sector. In addition to offering tangible skills training and access to startup support, the program raises awareness of how women’s involvement in the economy and community is significant to the development of the nation.

We express special thanks to volunteer jurors:

Mr. Yousuf Al Marshoodi, Senior Manager Entrepreneurship Development – Counselling & Monitoring at Khalifa Fund

Mr. Karim Elsayed, Senior Manager, Marketing – Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan at Western Union

Mr. Daniel Saliba, Business Partner at INNOVEST

Ms. Moza Khayal, Strategist & Consultant Sharjah Ladies Club Branches

Ms. Nawal Ali Alnuuaimi, Founder & CEO Paper Figs Dessert