Sharjah Stability Fund for Entrepreneurs Launched with AED 5 Million to Support Startups
Sharjah’s Stability Fund for Entrepreneurs launches with AED 5 million to deliver rapid non-repayable grants and operational support to startups and SMEs.
Sharjah has launched the Sharjah Stability Fund for Entrepreneurs, a AED 5 million initiative intended to provide swift financial and operational backing to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the emirate. The fund, announced under the direction of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, president of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), will also extend support to companies within Sheraa’s existing portfolio. The initiative aims to stabilise businesses facing immediate external shocks while strengthening sectors tied to national resilience.
Fund established with AED 5 million and strategic partners
The Stability Fund is capitalised at AED 5 million and backed by a coalition of strategic public and private partners. Officials said the funding mix is designed to enable fast deployment of resources where they are most needed across Sharjah’s business ecosystem. This public-private partnership model reflects the emirate’s broader approach to resilient economic development.
Targeted support for manufacturing, food security and healthcare
Priority sectors for the Sharjah Stability Fund for Entrepreneurs include manufacturing, food security and healthcare, with additional focus on other areas that contribute to national resilience. The fund’s sectoral focus is intended to safeguard supply chains and essential services during periods of disruption. By directing support to these strategic industries, Sharjah aims to preserve critical domestic capabilities and employment.
Fast, non-repayable grants and simplified assessment process
Sheraa confirmed the fund will provide non-repayable, non-equity grants to eligible companies, removing the burden of debt or dilution for recipients. A streamlined evaluation mechanism has been put in place to accelerate decision-making and ensure timely disbursement of funds. The simplified process is intended to help businesses respond to urgent operational challenges without lengthy administrative delays.
Integrated mentoring and market access programme
Beyond immediate financial assistance, the Stability Fund includes a comprehensive support package that pairs grants with mentorship and market access services. Participating companies will receive guidance aimed at scaling operations, improving market presence and accessing new commercial opportunities. Sheraa officials emphasised that the combination of funding and capacity-building is central to helping firms adapt and grow.
Alignment with national ‘Proud of the UAE’ campaign
Authorities framed the fund as complementary to the national “Proud of the UAE” campaign, highlighting its role in reinforcing economic stability and national confidence. The initiative is presented as part of a sequence of measures by Sharjah to protect entrepreneurial momentum and enable businesses to continue contributing to the national economy. Organisers said the fund will help maintain operational continuity during current and future economic fluctuations.
Statements from Sheraa leadership and federal officials
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said the fund reflects Sharjah’s commitment to a knowledge-driven, resilient economy and the importance of decisive support in critical moments. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, described the new fund as a further step in Sharjah’s broad effort to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the competitiveness of startups regionally and globally. Najla Al Madfa, vice president of Sheraa, added that the fund demonstrates how ecosystem value is most visible when practical, targeted assistance is delivered to entrepreneurs.
The programme targets companies that face immediate external pressures and seeks to help them maintain operations, protect jobs and continue their growth trajectory. Sheraa officials indicated that eligible applicants will be assessed on criteria linked to impact, resilience and potential to contribute to the emirate’s strategic priorities.
Early access to grants will be prioritised for firms whose continuity supports supply chain stability or essential services in the emirate. Sheraa also plans to coordinate with its strategic partners to identify additional pathways for assisted companies to secure new contracts and partnerships. Officials signalled ongoing monitoring to measure the fund’s effectiveness and to adjust support mechanisms as needs evolve.
Looking ahead, Sheraa and its partners expect the Stability Fund for Entrepreneurs to strengthen Sharjah’s entrepreneurial infrastructure and provide a replicable model for rapid-response business support. The focus on non-dilutive financing and combined operational assistance aims to preserve founders’ equity while enhancing firms’ capacity to withstand shocks. Stakeholders said further announcements on application procedures and partner roles will be made in the coming weeks to ensure transparent and timely access to the fund.
