SBWC to elevate, empower women entrepreneurs at Expand North Star

In line with its mission to support and empower women entrepreneurs in the UAE, the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) is sponsoring female-led startups at the upcoming Expand North Star 2024 event, and the anticipated ‘Supernova Challenge 2.0’ pitch competition, taking place at Dubai Harbour from Oct.13-16, 2024.

This strategic initiative aims to give talented women founders an exclusive international platform and provide them with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their innovative ventures, secure funding, and forge invaluable connections within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As the official partner in the ‘Women in Tech’ track for the 7th consecutive year, SBWC will select 8 exceptional women founders with cutting-edge startups in tech, AI, and other forward-thinking sectors to receive fully-sponsored participation at Expand North Star 2024.

This event hosted by GITEX Global and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is set to attract a global audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential partners, and the SBWC-sponsored startups will have the rare opportunity to present their groundbreaking ideas and solutions to this influential gathering, opening doors to investment, collaborations, and ultimately accelerating the growth of their female-led ventures.

In addition to the Expand North Star 2024 platform, the SBWC-sponsored startups will qualify for the ‘Supernova Challenge 2.0’, where they will compete for a share of the US$200,000 equity free prize pool. The Supernova Challenge is the largest startup pitch competition in the Mena region, celebrating innovative solutions in sustainability and social impact.

The competition is structured across several categories culminating in a US$100,000 grand prize for the overall ‘Supernova Champion’, and SBWC have furthered their support of female-led startups by sponsoring a US$10,000 prize exclusively for the ‘Women in Tech’ category.

The Supernova Challenge finals will take place on the last day of Expand North Star 2024, allowing the selected startups to showcase their solutions to a global audience and compete for these life-changing cash prizes.

Commenting on the upcoming opportunity for SBWC members, Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said, “At the Sharjah Business Women Council, we believe that empowering women with the right knowledge, skill sets, and connections is the key to driving societal success. By providing female entrepreneurs with an enabling environment and unlocking access to global platforms such as Expand North Star and their Supernova Challenge, we are opening doors to invaluable opportunities that will propel their innovative startups to new heights. Our comprehensive support for women-led businesses serves as a foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where female founders can lead the charge in shaping the future.”

To be considered, applicants need to be SBWC members, and non-members can apply for membership. As participation is fully sponsored by SBWC, application is 100 per cent free and the start-up must be UAE-based, founded or co-founded by a woman entrepreneur, and operating for under 5 years in the technology sector. Those wanting to apply can register using the following form.

Meanwhile His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri decree regarding the reorganisation of the Sharjah Business Women Council.

As stipulated by the decree, the council will have legal personality and full capacity to carry out the necessary legal actions to fulfil its objectives and perform its duties. It will have financial, administrative, and technical independence and is recognised as one of the institutions affiliated with Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.

According to the decree, the council’s English name will be the “Sharjah Business Women Council,” abbreviated as “SBWC.” The council’s main office will be located in Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the council’s honourary president, may establish branches and offices in other cities and regions of the emirate through her decision.

The decree outlines the council’s goals, which include: Promoting the status of the Sharjah Business Women Council both locally and internationally. Creating a sustainable and supportive environment for businesswomen and female entrepreneurs. Shifting the attitudes and general culture of women towards different business sectors. Encouraging competitiveness among businesswomen and female entrepreneurs. Facilitating women’s involvement in economic activities and overcoming obstacles they encounter. Collaborate with relevant government bodies and promote investment activities.