Entrepreneurs on what it takes to turn an idea into lasting impact

Sharjah — Entrepreneurship may begin with an idea, but turning that idea into lasting impact requires testing assumptions, listening to customers and persevering through inevitable challenges, industry leaders and founders said on World Entrepreneurs’ Day. H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and entrepreneurs from Sheraa’s network outlined practical lessons ranging from market validation to trusting instinct, while highlighting the role of ecosystem support in connecting startups to markets, capital and partnerships.

“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,” H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi said.

Lessons from founders building for impact

For Al Nuaimi, the value of entrepreneurship is measured by what it enables — new solutions, stronger economies and opportunities that did not exist before — but scaling that value needs more than a good idea. “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,” she added, stressing Sheraa’s commitment to help founders “build with confidence, grow with purpose and make an impact that lasts.”

Founders across sectors echoed those themes with concrete approaches:

• Noora Al Suwaidi, Co-founder of Teel Floral Studio, compared business growth to floristry: “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.” She emphasized patience, consistency and a clear sense of purpose as drivers of sustainable growth.
• Tayeb Hassan, Co-Founder of digital mental health platform Nafsi, focused on staying mission-driven. Nafsi, which is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority, 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, urging founders to remain close to the people they serve so challenges can be met with empathy and clarity.
• Andy Coxall, Managing Director of Evolve Careers, argued that lower barriers to entry and shifting career attitudes make this an opportune moment to launch ventures: “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.” He highlighted support systems such as Sheraa and community events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival as essential to sustaining founders through the journey.
• Nuno Veloso, founder of integrative coaching and preventive well-being venture Dragon Within, cautioned against over-intellectualizing. “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,” he said, advising founders to balance metrics with instinct and timely action.

Outlook: The combined advice from Sheraa leadership and member founders points to an ecosystem-level approach: validate assumptions quickly, keep the user and purpose central, use community support to lower friction, and know when to act despite uncertainty. As Sheraa continues to expand connections to markets, capital and partnerships, the emphasis from founders is clear — longevity comes from disciplined listening, practical execution and a willingness to adapt.