In an era where creativity determines competitive edge, women are rising to the occasion. Women entrepreneurs are taking center stage in the business field on a global scale, boldly and with intention. In 2024, 52 companies from the Fortune 500 list were led by women.1 The inclusion of women in business has had a clear impact, leading to a rise in startups. Within the same year, in the United States, 49% of businesses were started by women, an all-time high record.2 In 2022, women in the United Kingdom founded over 150,000 companies, highlighting how women are forming an essential part of the current business landscape.3

There are many ways to champion women-led businesses, the most common being consumption and promotion. However, for a female-founded company to thrive, professional opportunities must be made accessible, especially in business networking and capacity-building programs. Networking aims to share knowledge, connections, and guidance, whereas capacity-building programs endeavor to enhance skills and processes. Both remain fundamental to a business’s success and are stepping stones to a brighter future

Networking is an important aspect in the field, for both employees and entrepreneurs. It is the process of creating connections with people who share similar aims, interests, and industries, online and offline, where insights and words of advice are exchanged. For employees, networking opens doors for partnership opportunities, resources, and higher positions. For entrepreneurs, networking builds a solid client and investor base. According to Nexford University, “Business networking works by leveraging the power of relationships to create mutually beneficial opportunities. It is based on the principle that people prefer to do business with those they know, like, and trust.”4 By participating in networking events, entrepreneurs establish credibility and confidence, which leads to a smoother investment journey. Women entrepreneurs acquire knowledge, access to mentorships, and increased visibility. Part of empowering women lies in creating communities that will support them in their endeavors in any capacity, including providing the means to grow and learn.  

Capacity-building, as defined by the United Nations, is “the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world.”5 Capacity-building is an essential aspect of gaining independence as a company, for there is power in knowledge. It strengthens ownership and reduces the risk of control from outside entities.  The ultimate goal of a capacity-building program is to equip its students for a sustained period of time. The right curriculum, skill set, and strategy development enable entrepreneurs to understand their field firsthand, therefore outlining a realistic business plan that is made to last. Capacity-building programs also prioritize tackling problems, common and emerging, to lead sustainable trajectories for their ventures. The current era of business faces many rapid changes; entrepreneurs need to learn problem-solving and adaptability skills to protect their businesses and ensure their endurance, no matter what happens in the field. In certain areas, women were not included in educational spaces regarding vocations. Capacity-building programs provide women entrepreneurs with the abilities needed so they may obtain financial independence and empower their own lives.

In the MENA region, women in the United Arab Emirates are taking revolutionary steps in the business sector. Over the last decade, the UAE has witnessed a 40% rise in female-owned businesses, making up 18% of all entrepreneurs in the country, especially in the non-oil sectors.6 Emirati women are implementing fresh ideas in a range of fields, paving their own distinctive path. As for Sharjah, there is a 68% increase in women-led startups,7 proving that Sharjah has established itself as a leading hub for innovative women in business. With a variety of professional support systems within reach, women entrepreneurs can approach their new ventures boldly and assuredly.

To fulfil its inclusive vision, Sharjah Business Women Council prioritizes making networking spaces accessible to female founders and businesswomen. Locally, SBWC members participate in startup and small business exhibitions, expanding their business network. With access to media coverage and industry recognition, women entrepreneurs gain experience and cultivate their standing within the field. Opportunities to participate in global platforms such as trade missions and international conventions are also presented. Through this exposure, members refine their business know-how, explore growth potential, and discover partnership opportunities. Knowledge and experience are important avenues in empowering women because they tap into unrealized potential, one that can make waves in the business sector.  

Sharjah Business Women Council aims to empower women entrepreneurs and inspire them to be assertive in their positions. SBWC does so in a real-life practice, in which results are tangible and progress is clear to see. Through offering workshops, boot camps, and training to enhance a range of skills, such as business development, legal framework, marketing strategies, and financial planning. With the resources SBWC provides, women in leadership are equipped to handle various parts of the business journey, building confidence along the way. Workshops also offer mentorship from experts in the field, which increases insight and creates opportunities for future networking.  

In conclusion, business networking and capacity-building programs play a large role in solidifying a business’s practices and success, whether it is led by a man or a woman. However, opportunities to access such spaces and resources need to be made available for female entrepreneurs to join. Women entrepreneurs can make a big impact in their communities. Welcoming new ideas presented by diverse perspectives fosters a more innovative, forward-thinking mindset, both in the business field and in society. Only when this mindset is attained can women-led businesses thrive as they deserve to, without limitations or restrictions.