Sharjah24: During the first half of this year, Sharjah Foundation to support pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), affiliated to Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) continued its efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing the success of its projects in the emirate, enabling it to overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19, and successfully sustaining its business during the coming period.

In this context, His Excellency Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), stressed the importance of concerted government and private efforts to support the small and medium enterprises run by Emirati entrepreneurs, to ensure their continuity during these difficult circumstances, and to develop the services provided to them in various areas, as well as providing them with the necessary information and data, in addition to other initiatives, projects and programs that enhance their presence and success in the market.

His Excellency praised the efforts of the Government of Sharjah in supporting the pioneering projects of citizens under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow-up of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council (SEC).

In turn, Hamad Ali Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, Director of the Ruwad Foundation, revealed that the total number of funded projects since the foundation's establishment to date has reached 70 projects, with a total actual financing value of 22.2 million dirhams.

Among the results of the semi-annual report of the Foundation's achievements for the year 2021, Al-Mahmoud indicated that 118 new projects joined the Foundation during the past six months, compared to 71 member projects in the same period in 2020, with a growth rate of 66.2%. Al-Mahmoud added that during the first half of 2021, the membership of 87 projects was renewed.

He added that the consultations provided to entrepreneurs during the period reached to 29 consultations

His Excellency Hamad Al-Mahmoud said that the total number of male and female entrepreneurs who benefited from the training programs and professional diplomas organised by the Foundation during the first half amounted to 151 male and female trainees, including 94 male and female entrepreneurs, through 7 training programs and 3 professional diploma programs, with a total of 135 hours of training, adding that these programs have achieved a 93% rate of trainees' satisfaction.

He explained that the total number of participants in the training courses reached to 126 male and female trainees.

As part of the Foundation's efforts to market the products of the member projects and promote their services, coordination has been made to nominate 9 projects to participate in a range of external events.