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The Entrepreneurship workshop comprises of two modules which will lead finally to the award of Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Business Plan Development.
These workshops are highly practical oriented and have been designed to equip the potential entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to screen and evaluate their business ideas for their feasibility by conducting market surveys. They then move on to the next important stage, the potential entrepreneurs prepare a business plan pertaining to their own business. Participants are not only exposed to the various components of a well defined business plan including elements of marketing, accounting and finance but also have to develop their own individual business plan at the end of the course which is assessed and graded by Citi officials and the best business plans are awarded.
The Entrepreneurship and Business Plan Development Workshop initiative is part of the Joint Venture for Finance & Entrepreneurship (JVFE), which was established in January 2005 as a joint venture between UD and Citi, and has been supported annually ever since through an equal grant from the Citi Foundation. In addition to the Entrepreneurship Workshop, JVFE provides scholarships to merit students at UD specializing in Management, Marketing, Finance & Banking and Accounting.
"The JVFE's objectives are in line with Citi and the Citi Foundation's efforts to support financial and entrepreneurial education across the world. Our strategic alliance with UD will mean that more entrepreneurs and more deserving students will have the chance to succeed and excel," said Mohammed Al-Shroogi, Managing Director for the Middle East and Chief Executive Officer for Citi in the UAE. "The success of the JVFE sets a benchmark for a working alliance between academic and business institutions in the UAE."
Dr. Omar Hefni, President, UD said:
"JVFE is a unique proposition designed to address UAE's labor market need for the right talent. The scholarship program as well as the Entrepreneurship workshop has already brought many UAE nationals and residents closer to realizing their post-academic work plans. The continued support of the preeminent financial powerhouse, Citigroup and the Citigroup Foundation, adds value to our objective of linking academia to business world for the full benefit of our students."
Usha Kaul Saraf, Manager, CMPD said: UAE is supportive of female entrepreneurship and providing entrepreneurial opportunities to these women through this initiative will increase the entrepreneurial nature of the women. This program acts as a catalyst in transforming women into more confident entrepreneurs and helps them to realize that their dreams can come true."
Testimonials of participants:
Suha Sagban Abouzeid, Business Development Manager, Ingenious
"You know when 24 hours can change your whole life. That was my fate on May 17th; less than 48 hours prior to the beginning of the Entrepreneurship Training Program at the University of Dubai. My Business idea had been a dormant dream of mine for two years but I never thought I possessed the skills to make it a reality. Today, I feel I have already won just by moving that one step closer to realizing my dreams and feeling the excitement of a possibility.
Afra Abdalla Ahmed Said, Qualifications Manager
"The course was a great effort put together for Women. I enjoyed their lectures a lot especially Samir who helped us all the most. I learnt a lot about finances and what is expected of a business plan and what are best ways to present to evaluate business ideas. I think the course has benefited me the most through learning from everyone's experiences."
Monalisa Watfa, Pharmacist
"I found the course very interesting and I am very happy to have been given a chance to do it. I learned a lot about how to look at a business opportunity and what important factors to consider before deciding to enter a business. The course has also taught me how to write a complete business plan which is the first thing to do before opening any business. I wish to thank the University of Dubai, Citigroup and our instructors for all their time and effort."
Dr Hibah Shata; BDS,MSc,FDSRCSI
"The program was concise enough to bring out all our thoughts in a sequential manner. The choice of topics were applicable and the instructors were genuinely helpful. Thank you Citigroup and a warm thank you to the University of Dubai. The Course is excellent ,it is enlightening and helpful in all aspects of entrepreneurship and helped me in making alot of my future decisions regarding my marketing and growth plans. I have learnt the basics of marketing and accounting which have not been very clear to me previously.
I would certainly apply the concepts in my expansion and in planning my new set up in a very organized way. I would strongly recommend this course for people who want to establish their business and do not know where to start and for those who are already in business and ha vent got a business back ground."
Surabhi Kalsi, Upcoming Fashion designer
"The entrepreneur training programme has contributed greatly to me as a professional. It is essential to have the right management skills and basic understanding of all aspects of a business to successfully run the show. As I am in a creative field my education has been more to do with design...this course was like a mini-MBA...covering all aspects of a business and forecasting both profit and loss...so one is prepared for all eventualities and is aware of the risk(s).
The lecturers brought in their experience and real life situations which were of tremendous help. Overall it was a well managed, concise course apt for professionals like me who are busy trying to build their dreams."
Erica Edwards, Dentist
"Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try" For me the first decision was to attend the entrepreneurship course held by the University of Dubai.I think this course has really helped me tremendously making me realize that with passion we can succeed .I would like to thank the University of Dubai, its staff - the director ,Usha , Sheroo and the instructors especially Mr . Samir who had given us motivation and guidance. These ideas will be implemented in my startup business."
Posted by Medilyn Manibo, Assistant News Editor
