Sharjah:Entrepreneurship may begin with an idea, but building something that lasts demands much more. It requires founders to question assumptions, understand the people they serve, and keep moving through the inevitable challenges of building a business.
On World Entrepreneurs’ Day, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and entrepreneurs from Sheraa’s members share lessons on growth, purpose, and turning ambition into impact.
Test the idea, listen to the market
For Al Nuaimi, the value of entrepreneurship lies in what it can make possible, from new solutions and stronger economies to opportunities that did not exist before. Turning that potential into something lasting, however, requires founders to go beyond the strength of the original idea.
“Founders should have the courage to test their assumptions, the discipline to listen to the market, and the openness to build the relationships and pursue the opportunities that can move their businesses forward,” she said.
Just as important, she added, is an ecosystem that gives entrepreneurs the confidence, resources, and connections to go further.
“This is what we continue to strengthen through Sheraa, connecting entrepreneurs to markets, capital, partnerships, and opportunities that enable them to grow, compete globally, and create lasting value.”
Marking World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Al Nuaimi said the occasion celebrates those who turn ambition into action while reaffirming Sheraa’s commitment to ensuring Sharjah remains a place where entrepreneurs can “build with confidence, grow with purpose and make an impact that lasts.”
Growth is in the details
For Noora Al Suwaidi, Co-founder of Teel, the lessons of entrepreneurship closely mirror her work in floristry. Teel Floral Studio takes an expressive approach to floral design, using color, texture, and movement to create carefully composed arrangements.
“Entrepreneurship has taught me that growth rarely happens all at once. Much like working with flowers, it comes from paying attention to the smallest details, understanding what needs care, and knowing when to give something the space to take shape,” Al Suwaidi said.
Businesses, like flowers, also go through different seasons, she added.
“What matters is continuing to nurture what has potential, learning from each experience, and trusting that something meaningful can be built with patience, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose.”
Stay close to the problem
Tayeb Hassan, Co-Founder of the digital mental health platform Nafsi, has built his business to address a gap in access to mental health support. The DHA-licensed platform has grown to serve more than 10,000 users and secured over 30 corporate partnerships across the Middle East.
“Entrepreneurship often begins with recognizing a gap that others have learned to live with, and deciding that it can be addressed differently,” Hassan said.
His experience building in mental health has reinforced the importance of empathy, persistence, and understanding the people a business is intended to serve.
He said: “My advice to entrepreneurs is to stay connected to that purpose. When challenges arise, as they inevitably will, knowing why the problem matters can give you the clarity to adapt, keep moving, and build something that genuinely improves people’s lives.”
Take the first leap
For Andy Coxall, Managing Director of Evolve Careers, lower barriers to entry and changing attitudes toward traditional careers have made entrepreneurship more accessible.
He said: “There’s never been a better time to take the leap of faith and become an entrepreneur. We can’t wait for others to address the issues we see out there. We’ve got to step up and own them.”
While the journey can be difficult, he pointed to support systems such as Sheraa and communities such as Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival that can help entrepreneurs keep going.
Know when to stop overthinking
Founder of integrative coaching and preventive well-being venture Dragon Within, Nuno Veloso, cautions entrepreneurs against becoming too focused on models and data at the expense of execution and instinct.
“Let go, and let’s go. We tend to intellectualize and rationalize most things, getting comfortably stuck following models designed to structure learning, not execution,” Veloso said.
“Entrepreneurship is neither an exact science nor black magic. It’s about balancing practicality, adaptability, and timing. Let your gut feeling be the counterpart to your metrics.”
