Onshor Fund’s ‘Launch’ track begins in Sharjah

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshor), led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishing Association (EPA), has commenced the training programme for its 'Launch' track. This initiative, the first of three stages, equips emerging publishers with essential tools to succeed in the industry. A total of 26 candidates, selected from 140 applicants, will receive training from 5th October to 4th November, covering publishing fundamentals, rights management, and financial strategies. Participants will also engage with experts and network within the industry. This AED10 million fund, managed by SBA in partnership with the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) and Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, supports the UAE's publishing sector through its Launch, Scale, and Disrupt tracks. The Launch track aims to empower aspiring publishers, offering them resources and guidance to develop their skills . Sheikha Bodour expressed her excitement at seeing new voices entering the publishing world, aligning with Sharjah's mission to build a sustainable ecosystem for creative talents. The programme will also offer participants access to grants, marketing support, and office space at Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. Following the training, participants will attend the 14th Sharjah Publishers Conference and the Sharjah International Book Fair, where they will apply their skills and compete for further opportunities within the publishing industry. Source: Emirates News Agency