Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center signs digital banking partnership with Wio Bank

By Delisha Fernandes

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has partnered with Wio Bank to empower ecosystem players with the Wio platform to enhance banking for the new digital age.

Under the terms of the MoU between Sheraa and Wio, all Sheraa startups benefit from a limited-period offer featuring 90 days of free financial services from Wio Bank, followed by a reduced monthly membership fee compared to the bank’s standard rate.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, stated, “Our strategic partnership with Wio Bank is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem for startups and igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship in Sharjah and the UAE. This milestone represents a significant leap forward as we enable startup growth to attract exceptional talent to our vibrant city and provide added value through partnerships such as these. Together, we will empower the youth, nurture their innovative ideas, and provide startups with the necessary resources to thrive.”

As part of the MoU, startups and freelancers can access all-in-one services to manage salaries, rent, and VAT, empowering them to streamline their financial operations and focus on growing their businesses. Sheraa’s existing support programs and resources will provide entrepreneurs a seamless and efficient platform to manage their finances and fuel their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Jamal Al Awadhi, Chief Operating and Experience Officer at Wio, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Sheraa in our shared vision of empowering startups and promoting entrepreneurship in the UAE. Through our seamless all-encompassing platform, we aim to revolutionise the way founders manage their finances, providing personalised and invaluable digital banking services. Together with our new partners, we are committed to nurturing innovation, enhancing access, and creating a vibrant startup ecosystem for businesses to thrive in Sharjah.”

The collaboration aims to attract and retain entrepreneurs in Sharjah by offering them comprehensive services and resources. By encouraging innovation, nurturing thought leadership, and showcasing successful ventures within Sharjah, Sheraa and Wio Bank aim to raise Sharjah’s profile as a vibrant, globally connected, and impact-creating startup hub.