Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 Features Empowering Workshops For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2025) began on Saturday, featuring workshops and interactive sessions. These were designed to provide entrepreneurs with vital tools and strategies for today's competitive business environment. Australian internet star Brooke Bellamy captivated attendees with her session, "How I Became the Internet’s Favorite Baker," sharing her journey from a struggling startup to an online sensation.
Brooke Bellamy, founder of Brooki Bakehouse, highlighted the role of storytelling in building a loyal community around her brand. She shared, "I had an amazing bakery, but no customers walked through the door." By using social media platforms like TikTok, she found that personal stories resonated with audiences, helping her gain over 4 million followers.
Brooke emphasised the importance of engaging content and authenticity in digital marketing. She stated, ‘It’s not just about selling cakes; it’s about sharing my life,’ illustrating how genuine connections and creative storytelling contributed to her business growth. Her insights underscored the power of personal narratives in digital spaces.
Meanwhile, the 'Business Taxes 101' workshop was led by Saahil Sharma and Simon Zaater from Andersen Tax. This session clarified the UAE's changing tax landscape, covering VAT, Corporate Tax, and compliance essentials. The workshop framed taxation as a strategic tool rather than just an obligation for businesses.
Participants learned practical insights on VAT clauses, exemptions, and cross-border transactions. The session encouraged startups to stay informed and seek expert advice for optimal tax management. Understanding these aspects can help businesses leverage taxation strategically in their operations.
Innovator Niki Skeene presented on ‘Social Intelligence in the Age of AI’, focusing on emotional and communicative skills crucial for entrepreneurial success. Skeene warned against over-reliance on AI’s human-like responses and stressed balancing technology with human interaction strategies.
Social Intelligence in Business
Skeene's session highlighted the importance of body language, storytelling, and interpersonal skills in forming meaningful professional relationships. These elements are essential for entrepreneurs aiming to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world while maintaining human connections.
The festival also featured workshops like ‘The Creator's Playbook: From Passion to Profession’ by Emirati slam poet Salem Attas and ‘Prototyping for Entrepreneurs’ by Ismael Touq from SoiLAB. These sessions offered diverse perspectives and practical knowledge crucial for entrepreneurial ventures.
SEF 2025 continues to be a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. It creates an environment where ideas can grow and businesses can prosper. As SEF progresses, it aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and inspiration to shape future business landscapes.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google