The initiative aims to grow the UAE's SME sector by helping future generations of Emiratis enter the private sector and set up their own businesses.

Akoun is considered as the first initiative that brings together government departments from all over the UAE to support entrepreneurship

17 February 2013 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED) announced yesterday the launch of the fourth phase of its initiative; Akoun, in its first workshop in Dubai University which was developed with the aim to inspire the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs and empower them to enter the SME sector.   

Akoun brings together government organisations and top-level Emirati entrepreneurs to collectively promote private enterprise to students across the UAE. With young Emiratis more interested in entrepreneurship than ever before, Akoun provides them with knowledge, resources and guidance to turn their ideas into reality and set up their own businesses. 

The enterprise awareness campaign, which began in 2009, will reach more young Emiratis than ever before with a set of inspiring workshops and interactive activities that will take place at universities in every Emirate across the country between the months of February and April 2013. 

The workshops will be hosted by successful young Emirati entrepreneurs, who will create an inspiring forum for students to learn first hand about setting up their own businesses. Students will also be invited to submit their bright ideas to the "Akoun Business Ideas Competition", which will award the best three business proposals from each emirate with funding to help students on their way to start-up their businesses successfully.

In this regard, HE Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, ADCED's Director General, stated: "We are pleased to see the increased interest from universities across the UAE to host our Akoun workshops, as this demonstrates how influential Akoun workshops have become over the years. Encouraging entrepreneurship among Emirati youth lies in line with the UAE's government strategic goals to develop a strong private sector. We will continue to play a key role in educating the youth, guiding them to establish their own businesses, and support new entrepreneurs across the UAE."

Last year, the Akoun Business Ideas Competition's committee received more than 113 strong entries, with three winners in each of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia region. This year, competitors from the seven emirates across the UAE can participate by submitting their business proposals. Details about the initiative, the success stories of Emirati entrepreneurs, the competition, and other requirements are available on-line: www.akoun.ae.   

For daily inspiration and information, students can also follow Akoun on Twitter (@akounADCED) and 'like' the (AkounADCED) Group on Facebook.

The upcoming Akoun workshops are held 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, The Western Region Development Council, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and TwoFour54.

Details about the workshops' venue and dates will be announced in due course.

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About Akoun:
Akoun aims to help grow the UAE's business culture and expand its SME sector by encouraging future generation to enter the private sector and set up their 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

© Press Release 2013