The programme, delivered using methodologies developed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), aims to equip participants with the skills they need to support entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

 Preparing mentors for the business community
Dr Huda Saleh Al Khayal, Head of the Training Programmes Division at Ruwad, said the initiative seeks to create a group of trained ambassadors who can share entrepreneurial knowledge and provide practical guidance to business owners.

Speaking to Sharjah 24, she described the programme as one of Ruwad's key initiatives to expand entrepreneurship support across the emirate by investing in people who can mentor and advise aspiring entrepreneurs.

"The programme focuses on developing employees who can play an active role in guiding entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the realities of starting and growing a business," she said.

Practical support for entrepreneurs

Dr Al Khayal explained that participants receive training designed to strengthen their mentoring and leadership skills, enabling them to offer practical support to entrepreneurs facing challenges in today's business environment.

“The programme is designed to go past just theoretical learning, to provide real-world guidance that can help business owners identify opportunities, overcome obstacles and make better-informed decisions,” she added.

Encouraging an entrepreneurial culture
According to Dr Al Khayal, preparing government employees to serve as Entrepreneurship Ambassadors also supports wider efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within both government institutions and the community.

She said small and medium-sized enterprises continue to play an important role in economic growth, making initiatives that support entrepreneurs increasingly valuable to Sharjah's development agenda.

Now in its fourth edition, the programme is part of Ruwad's ongoing efforts to build a stronger support network for entrepreneurs and contribute to the continued growth of the SME sector in Sharjah and the UAE.