A recent report from the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) highlights Sharjah’s growing status as a promising destination for student entrepreneurship. Findings reveal that 40% of students surveyed aim to start their own businesses within five years post-graduation, while 17% are ready to begin immediately. This trend signals an encouraging shift in mindset among Sharjah’s youth, positioning the emirate as a leader in nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Under the guidance of Dr. Rodrigo Basco, AUS’s Sheikh Saoud bin Khalid Al-Qassimi Chair in Family Business, the report identifies several key factors fueling this entrepreneurial enthusiasm: rising self-confidence among students, robust institutional support, and abundant resources dedicated to entrepreneurship. Notably, students in Sharjah scored 71 out of 100 on the entrepreneurial self-efficacy scale, 16 points above the global average, reflecting their belief in their ability to succeed. Such confidence is crucial, as it promotes risk-taking and persistence—qualities essential to entrepreneurial success.
Source: Sheraa
Sheraa’s ecosystem plays a significant role in bolstering student ambitions. Since its establishment in 2016, Sheraa has offered mentorship, funding, and training through programs like the Startup Dojo, which provides hands-on experience and industry connections. Furthermore, Sheraa collaborates closely with AUS faculty to incorporate entrepreneurship into the curriculum, ensuring students have comprehensive support from the initial stages of their startup journey. The annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) also provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to connect with global business leaders and showcase their ideas.
However, despite this thriving environment, students still face challenges, particularly in securing financial resources and building industry networks. While Sheraa’s initiatives have alleviated some of these hurdles, continuous efforts will be essential to maintain momentum. The report underscores the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and private sector entities to develop a seamless support system.
With its current trajectory, Sharjah has the potential to set an example for other cities aiming to foster a generation of entrepreneurs. Sustained investment in education, resource accessibility, and support beyond graduation will be key for Sharjah to emerge as a leading student entrepreneurship hub.
