MUSCAT -- The 'Namaa' Entrepreneurial Club at the Modern College of Business and Science, an initiative supported by the SME Development Fund (Al Namaa Fund), held its first Student Entrepreneurship Forum earlier this week. The forum served as a platform for student entrepreneurs to exhibit their work and obtain valuable experience, and for others to gain exposure to business possibilities.
Visitors and students were able to pick and choose from merchandise displayed by 16 stalls, including abayas, jalabiyas, accessories, home decoration, and foodstuff. The event was an opportunity for the students to enrich their academic experience and build competencies and relationships beyond the classroom.
The Forum featured three workshops focusing on various aspects of entrepreneurship and small business. Marwa al Musalhi, president of the club, said the event attracted students and visitors who took part in the workshops.
"This exhibition was organised with a view to developing a culture of entrepreneurship among students as well as other youngsters. We provided the venue for free to the participants, and used social media extensively to advertise the event. The initiative has been quite successful in terms of participation and sales, and has been well received by the students and outsiders. We would encourage the Namaa Clubs at other colleges to try similar initiatives," she said.
"The SME Development Fund has been aggressively encouraging young Omanis in colleges and universities to learn the concept of entrepreneurship, get hands-on experience and get the feel of being a business owner," stated Abeer al Balushi, Faculty Coordinator for the 'Entrepreneurial Campus Initiative' at the Modern College.
The SME Development Fund's Main objective is to support and finance the SME sector in Oman and the four pillars of its strategy comprise entrepreneurship development, nurturing, subsidised lending and creating a conducive environment. The fund hopes to create a cluster of external capability in the form of accounting support, incubation, and angel investing for the achievement of national objectives.
(OEPPA Business Development Dept)
© Oman Daily Observer 2014
