"Getting Down To Business" Conference Transforming Entrepreneurs Into Internationally-Competitive Investment Magnets

Sharjah Tatweer Forum aims to attract major investments to diversify the emirate’s economy


The “Getting Down to Business” conference which is organized by Sharjah Tatweer Forum under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and the honorary Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum, is gearing up to explore fresh new ideas to revitalize the SME sector in Sharjah, in line with the latest international trends.

The conference brings together prominent business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. The collective goal is to connect entrepreneurs with major investors - which will bring not only growth, but diversity and maturity to Sharjah’s economy.

The event’s agenda kicks off with an opening speech by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Higher Education, highlighting the strong correlation between education and economic competitiveness on the global stage. He will also shed more light on government strategies that are designed to boost the sustainability of economic sectors.

His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of the Economy, will also participate through a pre-recorded video and supported by his Undersecretary, His Excellency Mohamed Al Shehhi, who will outline the ministry’s strategy for encouraging SME growth which includes new legislation that promises to stimulate the sector and provide new entrepreneurs with facilitations added benefits.

Headlining the list of speakers on the first day is the US Consul General in the UAE, Rob Waller. He will elaborate on President Barack Obama’s Entrepreneurship Initiative and its implications on foreign policy, including the Global Entrepreneurship Summit held in Dubai in December.

The audience will watch a short film narrating the remarkable history of entrepreneurship in Sharjah, and the gigantic steps made ​​to enhance the investment climate and open more doors for SMEs.

Notable speakers will include Yasser Jarrar, partner in Bain & Co, a renowned expert in the investment market. He will put special emphasis on how best the UAE economy can position itself at the forefront of the global economy considering the recent changes in international markets.

Jassim Al Balushi, Chairman of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum, will elaborate on how the Forum is cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and opening a gateway that will elevate young entrepreneurs into future global business leaders.

Various corporate sponsors and partners will join forces to bring long-term changes on the ground, by attracting major investments for the sector.

“Getting Down to Business” presents and defines the different types of entrepreneurships such as social entrepreneurship, digital, lifestyle, knowledge, Intrapreneurship and serial entrepreneurs.

Keynote speakers of the second day will include Maytha Al Habsi: Project Manager of the Emirates Foundation, and Mr Jassim Al Balushi: Chairman of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum. They will discuss the role of the Emirates Foundation in nurturing young citizens, especially focusing on the organization’s strategy for promoting entrepreneurship.

Among the most anticipated features will be “TAM,” a platform in which groups of young entrepreneurs will present their existing projects and their growth plans before a panel of funds, investors, and seed funds, bank officials packaging their proposals in the most financially viable manner in order to attract funding and make their project a reality.

The event sponsors include: Emirates Islamic Bank, Sharjah Expo Center, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Petrofac, Invest Bank, Mega Mall, Pierlite, Gulf Publishing, Air Arabia, Sharjah Media Corporation, Sharjah Municipality and Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development as the entrepreneurs training sponsor.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Jan 17, 2013

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