Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, has teamed up with The Co-Working PopUp, one of the first incubators and co-working spaces to be certified by Dubai SME, to take 10 UAE-based entrepreneurs to the incubator’s London offshoot for a five-day programme. Scheduled to take place on August 19 -23 at The Co-Working PopUp in Dalston, the programme is aimed at helping local start-ups and solopreneurs think and plan globally as well as partner and learn from their peers in London.

“Partnerships with public and private sector enablers are a key aspect of the holistic support system Dubai SME has successfully developed to encourage startups and growth into global enterprises. The Co-Working PopUp is a Dubai success story that expanded to London, creating a bridge between the start-up ecosystems of the two cities. They are one of first incubators to be certified by us and their subsequent international growth makes them well-placed to lead this group of young entrepreneurs with global ambitions,” said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME.

“The Dubai SME Summer Exchange Programme to London will empower Dubai-based entrepreneurs – both Emirati and expats – with skills that will help them launch and grow a global business. As it will be set in London, participants will have the chance to explore and develop their strategy in one of the world’s leading business centres and understand, first-hand, the nuances of catering to a global market,” said Shahzad Bhatti, Founder and Owner of The Co-Working PopUp. “We know it will encourage an exchange of ideas between Dubai’s and London’s entrepreneurial communities and eventually lead to mutually beneficial international partnerships between the start-ups.”  

Aspiring entrepreneurs can apply to be part of the workshop by sending a brief on their business idea or current skills to The Co-Working PopUp (apply.coworking.ae) by the 5th of August 2019. The 10 selected participants will spend five days at The Co-Working PopUp in Dalston, London, networking and sharing ideas with the city’s entrepreneurial community as well as benefitting from five workshops: Developing Your Business Idea and creating an MVP; Creating Your Brand & Identity; Sales, Pitching and Public Speaking; Developing Your Marketing Strategy; and Growing Your Startup & Managing Your Work/ Life Balance.

In addition to learning and upskilling, the programme also offers the selected participants the opportunity to visit London’s famed museums and art galleries, historical landmarks and attractions, while enjoying the city’s famous theatre and shopping scenes.

For more information on the Dubai SME Summer Exchange Programme, please contact The Co-Working PopUp at jeanet@coworking.ae or call 04 427 2100.