Author: Afreen Razak

The UAE is amongst the few countries of the world that take pride in being a global mosaic. With individuals from different nationalities contributing to the overall zest and culture of the country, the government acknowledged this change. 

According to the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), individuals from all nationalities can now fully own real estate property without any time restriction. The decree, in turn, has allowed citizens of all countries to own real estate of all forms and uses in Sharjah. 

Company formation in the UAE, thereby, has become easier for entrepreneurs from all over the world. As an investor and owner of real estate property, one can reap benefits akin to that of UAE nationals. 

Related Article: How do Successful Entrepreneurs differ from Ordinary People?

As a businessperson, if you are looking forward to establishing a real estate consultancy business in the UAE, then read on. In this blog, we will explore, 

• The UAE real estate market’s potential
• Why choose SPC Free Zone?

What is the UAE Real Estate Market Potential?

Real estate in Sharjah serves an integral role in the United Arab Emirate’s economic diversification. The properties for sale in Sharjah range from furnished offices for rent in Sharjah to apartments and villas. 

Buying a property in the UAE has become a lucrative opportunity over time. From villas and apartments to commercial spaces, the real estate market of the UAE is showing exponential growth. 

Real estate activities across the country contribute to around 5.5 percent of the UAE’s overall gross domestic product. As a global player, the UAE’s Real Estate Boom in Sharjah industry has become pivotal. 

In 2019, the collective brand value of real estate companies residing in the UAE amounted to 2.7 billion USD, placing it right behind two other key players in the world.

 It has been recently forecasted that the real estate activities in the UAE will amount to approximately 21.5 billion dollars by 2024. With more than 21,615 real estate transactions in Sharjah, the real estate sector in the emirate is recovering. 

Start your Real Estate Consultancy Business with SPCFZ

We can assist you if you look forward to establishing a real estate consultancy business in Sharjah. At SPC Free Zone, we understand that the intricacies of obtaining a license, establishing a consultancy business and renewing it all can seem tedious. To assist entrepreneurs like yourself, we provide hassle-free business setup services so you can also get benefit of Real Estate Boom in Sharjah.

With SPC Free Zone, you can easily register a company in the UAE. From setting up a company to obtaining a license, you can explore different packages on our website. 

With SPC Free Zone, businesses can maximise their profits with zero paid-up share capital, and 100% foreign ownership.

At SPC Free Zone, we also provide e-commerce and general trading license for all commercial activities. We aim to give business owners the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the real estate industry. 

Set up your business with SPC Free Zone today!

Establishing a business is one of the most viable options for entrepreneurs who plan to grow. Starting a small-scale business is often the first step in establishing a revenue-generating resource.

The process of company formation follows a series of steps. These include deciding upon the company’s name, services/products, company registration, and licensing.

Countries like the UAE offer lucrative options like free zone company formation and mainland business establishment to entrepreneurs. Most business owners consider the free zone a viable choice because of the profitable returns it offers.

However, small-scale businesses often need to pay more attention to an integral marketing element known as branding in their pursuit.

As a small business owner, if you are looking forward to understanding the intricacies of branding, read on. In this blog, we will explore;

• Importance of branding
• Core strategies for branding
• Why choose SPC Free Zone?

Importance of branding

A business brand plays a pivotal role in placing it at a top-tier position with respect to the target audience. Essentially, it influences every aspect of the customer’s perception in regard to the company. Branding includes:

• Trust
• Customer loyalty
• Company’s reputation
• Recognition

The brand of a business speaks to the customer about the products or services offered, customer relation types, employee relations, the company’s business values, social goals and promises.

Another integral element of branding is that it allows small businesses to stand out from the competition. Developing a brand beyond a logo implies thoughts and efforts. Using a media development strategy, a small business can highlight its potential to the targeted population.

Core strategies for branding

Certain strategies play an integral role in branding for small businesses. These include;

1. Defining the brand identity

Branding of a business is more than just a logo on a website. Branding is more about “who” the company is, what values it portrays, and the mission it relies upon. Branding is about how a company treats its customers and the looks of the virtual assets associated with a company. Essentially, before designing the logo of a business, small business owners should focus on defining their “brand identity.”

2. Be visual with your brand

Before defining a brand strategy, businesses need to focus on “who” they are, who their customers are, what makes their brand special and what services they offer in the industry. Once these steps have been followed, the next is to design the brand.

While designing a brand, it is important to focus on details of the design strategy like the brand colour, palette and font. A brand style guide is a blueprint for designers, business owners and employees. It helps navigate the voice and tone of a company while maintaining consistency.

Designing a brand also requires a logo that is integrally the company’s face. It is the first thing that potential customers will encounter and remember. Branding a business also requires business cards and a website. Essentially, business owners should remember to keep the brand logo, colour, voice and tone consistent throughout.

3. Establish a trustful relationship

In business, trust plays a pivotal role. Individuals prefer doing business with brands they can trust. As a small business owner, establishing trust can be time-consuming. In order to speed up the process, a company can look for partnership opportunities with other brands that their customers are already connected with.

In order to build customer relations, advertising, and marketing play an integral role. However, small business owners may have a limited advertising budget. In this scenario, content marketing, as compared to advertising, is a more reliable option.

Content marketing allows business owners to get their name at the forefront. It provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to demonstrate their industry expertise. Once business owners have established themselves as go-to resources and subject matter experts, they will have the audience’s trust.

As a result, when the time arrives to choose a company, the audience will likely prefer their company. In terms of business branding, content marketing is an excellent strategy since it strengthens brand voice. A consistent brand voice in the form of content reinforces who the company is and the services it can provide to customers.

4. Be a reliable source for customers

In order to establish a brand, business owners need to prove their potential by action. Branding is more than just a logo, marketing strategies or customer attention-garnering tactics. It is also about how well a company connects with their customer and the reputation it garners.

In order to succeed in branding, a company has to follow up on its claims of providing high-quality services. A company’s customer service needs to be a top priority to establish itself competitively. If customers have positive experiences with a brand, they will likely return.

5. Building an emotional connection

A business’s top branding priority should be building an emotional connection. After all, people are loyal to brands, not their services. Strong brand loyalty in customers can ensure that they will always pick your products over others. Branding helps companies create an emotional connection with customers by meeting their level.

Suppose a company sets its deepest values and guidelines with respect to its customer. In that case, it is more likely to garner potential customers’ attention. One manner in which this can be done is by ensuring that the brand voice and tone align with the values of the targeted audience. Special media marketing strategies can be customized to meet the customer’s emotional values.

Why choose SPC Free Zone?

At SPC Free Zone, our primary goal is to facilitate entrepreneurs in their journey. Our affordable packages with competitive benefits can streamline your business. Our customers benefit from a whole string of benefits like zero paid-up share capital.

Ready to brand your small-scale business in the UAE? Reach out to our friendly team for a quick and easy setup service.

The goal of an entrepreneur is to provide customers with effective and efficient services. The provision of high-standard services implies improvement in regular business operations for a company, streamlining procedures, and boosting effectiveness.

If you are looking forward to having a business setup in Sharjah, then learning ways to streamline the process is essential.

In this article, we will talk about the following,

• Streamlining a startup
• Methods to streamline
• Why choose SPC Free Zone?

Streamlining a startup

Streamlining businesses refers to reducing inefficiencies and time-taking tasks to achieve maximum efficiency. The world is evolving and becoming smart in terms of operational activities. Hence, everyone needs to do maximum work in a minimum amount of time to prevent time wastage. One can boost their business activities by streamlining the startup in these incredible ways explained below.

Methods to streamline

Since efficient operations are necessary for successful business practices, one must increase the startup’s operational effectiveness to remain competitive. Businesses can become more successful over time if they follow a few simple procedures to improve their business operations and processes.

One must examine the entire operation and look for ways to streamline and speed up the process if one plans to maximize workflow. Often, businesses can do this by getting rid of tedious or meaningless procedures.

People can also build their businesses on routine tasks that must be done regularly, such as identifying current business trends and technologies and designing strategies to achieve the required objectives. One can also streamline the startup by removing unnecessary activities to achieve maximum efficiency.

1. Automation

In a startup, one may find out that some activities are repetitive and can be automated if they are doing them manually. For example, scheduling posts, salary disbursement, maintaining employee payroll records, and even forming manual invoices. All of these activities can be automated by using specialized software. One can significantly reduce the workload with the use of automation tools. As a reward, they will get more time to invest in projects that generate income. Every business process has an automation tool for a good turn of events. Businesses can drastically change working hours if they can identify them and put them to use. Startups can conserve resources and time by using these tools.

2. Use of Technology

One can streamline a startup by using technology to boost the business and, for example, implementing SEO in a business strategy to gain maximum engagement. One can use digital media to enhance visibility among the target audience to get a competitive advantage.

On the other hand, one can use technology to enhance digital processes, such as electronic devices for video conferences and virtual communication spaces for remote teams, instead of renting out an office. This will help startups to save costs.

3. Outsource

People can streamline their startups by saving a huge cost by hiring freelancers to perform specialized duties rather than hiring full-time employees. Freelancers can actively overtake critical business operations such as marketing activities, HR management, and business or financial consultation services at a minimum cost.

Outsourcing tedious tasks can save a lot of time and cost and make people boost productivity. One can focus on significant issues of the startup rather than completing projects which freelancers or outsourced agencies can efficiently perform.

4. Customer Relationship Management Tools (CRM)

One of the most promising ways to streamline a startup is to use efficient CRM software, which can help to run a business efficiently. This enables managers to enhance the day-to-day operations and use the most up-to-date tools to grow their company and engage in a substantially greater position. Because one may act as a significantly larger corporation with few resources, this strategy is excellent for startups.

5. Focus on employee training

Employees are the most valuable resource of a company. To streamline a startup, one needs to focus on extensive employee training to perform business activities. For this, hiring and training a skilled workforce is the crucial step. One should establish a strong ethical culture in a startup to motivate employees. Maintain a goal, train employees, measure success, and create a positive work atmosphere to satisfy the employees.

6. Hybrid or Remote Meetings

Many businesses waste valuable time conducting unnecessary meetings that never reach their outcomes. To shift the focus to prioritized tasks, managers can conduct hybrid or remote meetings via video conferences to save time. Moreover, meetings are significant for any startup as it fosters collaboration and feedback. One should encourage the team to attend meetings to record weekly business agendas and activities and monitor progress to evaluate the business performance.

Digital technologies provide modern and smart solutions to streamline startups. One can ensure business efficiency by focusing on these steps to streamline the startup. Businesses can save a lot of time by utilizing valuable resources most efficiently. Streamlining your startup also boosts productivity. Employees are more likely to be productive when businesses streamline operations. Employees have a better understanding of their daily tasks and expectations.

When businesses eliminate unnecessary tasks, employees can focus more on the overall performance of their output. By focusing exclusively on these smart strategies, one should streamline the business and gain a competitive advantage.

Why choose SPC Free Zone?

SPC Free Zone can assist businesses in streamlining their operations by providing various growth opportunities. With SPC Free Zone, businesses can be set up quickly and hassle-free.

We offer different setup packages depending on business requirements. These include obtaining a memorandum of association (MOA), Lease Agreement, Business Activity Certificate, and Trade License.

Moreover, SPC Free Zone provides licenses that include up to 20 visas. With SPC Free Zone, businesses can maximize their profits with zero paid-up share capital, and 100% foreign ownership.

SPC Free Zone also provides an e-commerce license and general trading license for all commercial activities. We aim to give business owners the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their way.

SPC Free Zone is here to help with your business setup in the UAE!

The year 2022 has seen a lot of rapid developments in terms of businesses. Individuals across the globe are looking for opportunities that can assist their growth. If you plan to widen your horizons and have a plan for a business setup in Sharjah, let us help you brainstorm some ideas. 

In this article, we will talk about the following. 

• Business startup ideas 
• Why choose SPC Free Zone?

Starting a drop shipping business

Amongst the most accessible and low-cost options for company formation, drop shipping is an ideal choice. Drop shipping is essentially a fulfilment model wherein a third-party supplier stores and ships the inventory to customers on behalf of another company.

It is amongst the best business startup ideas because it has low overhead costs, is hands-off and scalable. As a drop shipping business owner, you would only need to handle products with others. You only need to make the sales and pass the orders on to the suppliers. It is among the most seamless and quickest ways of starting a business. 

Related Article: Startup Do’s and Don’ts in UAE

One way a drop shipping business can be optimised is by curating products from one or more suppliers in an online store under a theme that is specific to a particular niche. Some examples could include gear for gym enthusiasts or water bowls for cat owners. When a customer purchases from the website, the order is sent to the supplier, who then fulfils it on your behalf. 

However, you will be responsible for marketing and customer service as a drop shipping business owner. Dropshipping business owners can work with an extensive range of local and overseas suppliers as long as a relationship is built on trust. An unreliable supplier can reflect poorly on your business, which is why robust research is necessary. 

Another reason why a drop shipping business is an outstanding opportunity is that it can be utilised to test product-market fit before launching a business. Once the data has been obtained, you can invest in your original product. Before beginning the journey, however, it is essential to order a sample for yourself to ensure the supplier’s reliability and the quality of the products.  

Selling print-on-demand posters, mugs and cards

Customised cards with printed texts are the new talk of the town. However, the limitation is not imposed on just greetings; nowadays, individuals are interested in buying customised mugs, posters and notebooks.

 As a business owner, if you are artistically inclined or have an idea about the usage of a camera, you can dropship a print-on-demand business model to allow others to own a physical piece of your work. 

Before moving forward with the business structure, it is imperative to remember that you will need the right to the content that will be printed. Moreover, if there is a public domain asset that is being used. In that case, rights for free monetisation need to be obtained. 

This small business idea is a lucrative opportunity for those who have an engaged online following. For example, urban photographers or cartoonists can reap substantial benefits from this business idea. 

Depending on the printer one works with, the product can be turned into posters, framed wall art and even greeting cards. Numerous low-cost digital templates and mockup generators exist today that can be used to showcase products without having to print each item. 

Establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) company

Amongst the business startup ideas of 2022, establishing an AI company is a phenomenal choice. The world is rapidly turning its attention towards Artificial intelligence as it seamlessly shortens the time required for industrial functions. 

The statistics show that it is an ideal time to start an artificial intelligence business in the UAE. Various industries like businesses, healthcare, and hospitality have integrated AI-related resources into their infrastructure. By 2030, the Middle East is expected to tune USD 230 billion using AI.

In order to establish an AI company, you will need to name your company, obtain a license and visa. If you decide to set up the company in the free zone, the visa application will be a part of the company formation process and will be managed accordingly. Keep in mind that you may require further documentation along with biometric and medical examinations.  

Selling handcrafted and homemade goods

A small business idea based on your talent for developing and procuring products can serve you well. Among the vast array of options for small businesses, one of them is to sell handcrafted and homemade goods. If you are good at making DIY soaps, candles or pottery, then your craft can assist you in achieving a unique position. 

It would be best if you considered shipping and inventory management to create a small business setup with DIY products. However, another option is to work as per-order is received or when a small batch is ordered. Follow this until the flow of orders becomes consistent. 

In this regard, as a new entrepreneur, one will need to be careful about the regulations upon product category, especially if it is going to be eaten, inhaled or topically applied by the customer. 

Become an influencer

The digital world has had an extensive influence on the economy of nations worldwide. Well-known digital creators and social media influencers are located in the UAE, making it a viable business option to explore. For those who are avidly interested in social media, becoming an influencer in the UAE is an option. 

In order to make this line of work transparent and more professional, the UAE government has introduced new rules and regulations. The rules are not limited to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter users; instead, vloggers and bloggers must abide by them as well. 

You will need a permit to establish your business as an influencer in the UAE. A more cost-effective option to obtain one is by applying for it in a free zone. The cost for the license in Sharjah is around AED 6,875. 

Why choose SPC Free Zone?

SPC Free Zone helps provide business setup services to company owners in the United Arab Emirates. Our services include the opportunity to opt for a dual license for the mainland and the free zone. Each license can include up to 100 visas, too. Moreover, businesses can maximise profits with zero paid-up share capital, and 100% foreign ownership.

SPC Free Zone also provides a general trading and e-commerce license for all commercial activities. We aim to give business owners the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their way. 

SPC Free Zone is here to help with your business setup in the UAE!

Establishing your first business is a milestone for a professional journey. Suppose you are currently enroute to building an avenue of resources. If you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurship journey and have limited capital,  co-working spaces might be an excellent option.

A co-working space is exactly what it sounds like. Coffee and couches that ensure a relaxed and safe environment and provide a pathway for relaxation and high-end performance.

A co-working space provides variable opportunities and benefits to startups as well. One of the best cities in the UAE wherein company formation can be a high-end opportunity is Sharjah. 

The popularity of co-working spaces is spreading here as well.

New business setups in Sharjah and worldwide are now striving towards adjoining co-working spaces because these are not limited to freelancers anymore.

In this article, we will be exploring the following;

1. Reasons why co-working is a great option.
2. Why choose SPC Free Zone?

• Flexibility for companies

For a vast majority of startups today, finding a work environment that aligns well with their company’s growth takes time and effort.

Most spaces do not provide the level of flexibility that a startup with a small turnover would need. Often with investments and rents, a business person may only want to commit towards a two-year office lease if the workforce has begun growing. If there are a few months left for the opportunities to garner, then it is appropriate to opt for a co-working space.

The flexibility provided by co-working spaces is one of the core reasons why many startups today are opting for them. A co-working space offers startup space as they grow and expand in nature. In the early years, membership options ranging from dedicated explicitly to private offices were worthwhile.

As a business owner with two or three employees, one may want to begin using the hosting opportunity. Then, as the team grows, they can move towards a smaller office.

• Convenience

Another reason why co-working spaces are becoming exceptionally popular amongst startups is that these provide an alternative to the daily hassle of renting an office space. Business owners often find spending time and money on office managers and general maintenance a waste. These resources instead can be used viably to quadruple a business’s growth. A co-working space allows startups to manage their limited resources efficiently. They do so by managing the utility bills and facility management. As a result, startup business owners have the flexibility to focus solely on their business.

• Opportunity for networking

As a startup business owner, it makes ample sense that business owners would look for workspaces that can foster organic business connections. Co-working is one of the essential places of building a solid customer base.

A co-working space, as a result, encourages this form of growth. While sharing the same space for business, collaboration becomes exceptionally easy for business personnel from different walks of life. A viable example of networking includes a professional development workshop where individuals can discuss their business ideas over coffee.

Increased visibility is good for startups that focus heavily on word-of-mouth marketing. Startups can take the regular networking events hosted by co-working spaces in their strides. These allow them to expand their horizon for professional contacts and gain potential customers.

A co-working space provides access to a community full of successful entrepreneurs. As a startup founder, one can benefit exceptionally by connecting with other young successful business owners. Some co-working spaces foster this discussion through mentoring programs and regular workshops or meetings with industry leaders.

• Services and amenities provision

The most high-end co-working communities of the world tend to offer their members state-of-the-art amenities and services designed to help startups grow. The membership gained in a viable co-working community typically includes benefits like rooms for conference calls and meetings with potential clients.

Moreover, there are also several spaces for relaxation, like outdoor porches, pool tables and lounge chairs. Some co-working spaces also provide workplace supplies like Dry erase walls, power desks and other office furniture. To add zest to the availability of a co-working space, it is essential to note that these also provide amenities like free coffee and fruit along with basic appliances like a refrigerator and microwave.

Since all of a startup’s services will be bundled into a single monthly bill, the expenses will be streamlined significantly. The building management of a co-working space is responsible for maintaining all these features.

• Work-Life Balance

According to recent surveys, full-time workers struggle with work-life balance. Entrepreneurs, startup founders and innovators have been continuing to express concerns about not receiving enough sleep and finding time for their family and friends since there is an insurmountable demand to scale. A co-working space can mitigate work-life balance anxiety.

Why choose SPC Free Zone?

SPC Free Zone is home to state-of-the-art co-working spaces that can be booked by business license holders. Complete with ergonomic furniture, high-speed Wi-Fi and a coffee station, the SPC Free Zone co-working space is the place for new entrepreneurs to kick start their ventures at a minimal cost.

SPC Free Zone helps support businesses, including an opportunity to opt for a dual license for the mainland and the free zone. Moreover, businesses can maximize profits with zero paid-up share capital, and 100% foreign ownership. Each license includes up to 20 visas, too.

SPC Free Zone also provides an e-commerce and general trading license for all commercial activities. We aim to give business owners the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their way.

SPC Free Zone is here to help with your business setup in the UAE!