•Akoun initiative workshop aims to grow the UAE's SME sector by helping future generations enter the private sector, and set up their own businesses

•Akoun is the first initiative that brings together government and private entities from across the UAE to support entrepreneurship

27 February, 2013 - Al Ain, United Arab Emirates: The Higher College of Technology (HCT) campus in Al Ain hosted yesterday the Akoun workshop at the aim to inspire its students to become the UAE's next generation of successful business entrepreneurs. The workshop was part of an annual UAE-wide enterprise awareness campaign, Akoun, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED). The workshop was attended by more than 85 students.

Al Ain's HCT Colleges' male and female students were also invited to submit proposals consisting of their bright business ideas to the "Business Ideas Competition". The best business proposals from each university will be awarded with funding to help young entrepreneurs start-up their enterprises successfully.

Akoun brings together government and private organisations, along with top-level Emirati entrepreneurs to collectively promote private enterprise to students across the UAE. The enterprise awareness campaign, now entering its fourth phase, is reaching more young Emiratis than ever before with workshops and activities at universities in every Emirate between the months February and March 2013. 

According to Alan Yeck, Chair of Business Programs, "The Akoun Business Ideas Competition is one of the best in the world for university students to participate in. It not only gives them the chance to make their dreams a reality, but continues to help them through business workshops and training after the competition. It's just a great program."

The workshop was hosted by Anas Bukhash, Managing Partner at Ahdaaf Sports Club LLC, and was represented by Akoun partners including Omar Salah Al Shammari from Khalifa Fund, and Ayman Al Saed Taha from Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.

The Akoun workshops are held in partnership with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, The Entrepreneurs Forum, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Ruwad Establishment, The Western Region Development Council, Khalifa Fund, and TwoFour54.

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About Akoun
Akoun aims to help grow the UAE's business culture and expand its SME sector by encouraging future generations to enter the private sector and set up their own businesses.  Akoun was initiated by Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED) in 2009.  It is run in partnership with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs Forum, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Ruwad Establishment, Western Region Development Council, Khalifa Fund and TwoFour54.

About ADCED
The Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED) was established by Law No. 9. in May 2006. Acting as an economic policy advisory council, ADCED was established to facilitate economic diversification and growth through creating greater understanding, cooperation and engagement between the public and private sectors of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Contact:

For more information or requests to interview Akoun partners, entrepreneurs and participating students, or for media accreditation to attend an Akoun workshop, please contact ADCED Media Office:

Elisabeth Middlemas
Senior Account Manager
Four Communications
Tele: +971 (0) 55 563 0212
Email: elisabeth.middlemas@fourcommunications.com  

Noura Al Kaabi
Officer - Corporate Communication Division
Tele: 02 4189913
Fax: 02 4189988
Email: noura.alkaabi@adced.ae

Email: akoun@adced.ae
Twitter: @akounADCED
Facebook: AkounADCED
Website: www.akoun.ae

© Press Release 2013