Leading event organiser, Experiment Events announced the 3rd edition of ‘Entrepreneur’s Conclave’ themed – “Dive into your Destiny” and the opening of registrations for SME’s at the Grand Hyatt, Muscat.
Entrepreneur’s Conclave is a unique initiative that is held annually to enhance trade and cooperation between Startups and Corporations in Oman. This year’s event, in partnership with Sharaka as their strategic partner, aims to find the most promising young entrepreneur in the nation through a strict selection process and insightful workshops.
Zameel Ameen, founder of Experiment Events, commented “This year will see 30 young entrepreneurs alongside 10 established local and international senior entrepreneurs as they participate in activities that will fulfill the event’s three main objectives ‘Learn, Survive, and Grow’. Last year’s activity involved mountain hiking which was well received by the participants and I am excited to see the response for the diving activity this year.
One of the brand ambassadors to Entrepreneur’s Conclave 2016, Eyab Al Hajj, Director of Hema Energy said, “Believe in your dreams and never give up!” He further went on to say that, “Although there might be certain challenges like initial registrations, high cost factor, chances of survival of a startup etc. Whatever it is, an entrepreneur has to enjoy what he or she is doing and never give up on his dreams. My success is related to learning from mistakes, and the beauty of entrepreneurship lies beneath the daily changes that occur towards the journey to success. Marketing is another obstacle, lack of creative ideas to reach out to your customers, reaching the target etc are not an easy task, it is indeed very challenging. You have to believe and have true passion in what you are doing and keep going at it.”
Abdulla Al Jufaili, General Manager, Sharakah said, “Entrepreneur’s Conclave in the last two years has gained a huge momentum. It is a great platform that brings both young ambitious entrepreneurs and senior successful entrepreneurs together in a unique program and helps them develop their skills and knowledge in the industry.
2016 initiative additions
The addition of the international entrepreneurs is one of the factors that make this year’s edition different from previous years. Further to the international entrepreneurs, this edition will also see the inclusion of handpicked group of University students to participate in the activities along with the young entrepreneurs. These changes, alongside the activities that the participants will take part in; will culminate in a grand finale where the young entrepreneurs will receive an opportunity to present their companies and experiences to an audience consisting of angel investors, funding organizations, and other existing entrepreneurs
The first phase, ‘Learn’, will include a case study that will be held in Jebel Sifa on May 6, 2016 that will include entrepreneurs face real time situations on managing an organisation while facing critical issues in high pressure situations.
The second phase, ‘Survive’, will see entrepreneurs take part in a diving exercise as per personal consent on May 7, 2016, which represents the frequent challenges entrepreneurs regularly face.
The third phase, ‘Grow’, will include a workshop on May 14, 2016 that will prepare the entrepreneurs on how to effectively represent themselves at the final event taking place in PACA Hall on May 30, 2016.
Last year’s event held at Alila Jebal Akhdar saw young entrepreneurs work together with senior entrepreneurs who coached them as they took on a case study on increasing tourism in the resort. The shortlisted candidates then received an opportunity to present their businesses to a critic panel for an opportunity to get funded.
Registration deadline
Participants have to register online at www.entrepreneursconclave.com and submit their application before or on April 23, 3016, explaining their existing business agenda. The selection criterion is based on a compelling and high potential explanation of their agendas that will be of benefit to the economy in the long run.
It is widely understood that SMEs are a fundamental part of the economic fabric and that they play a crucial role in furthering growth, innovation and prosperity of nations. Hence to further help the young entrepreneurs of this nation, the ‘Entrepreneur’s Conclave’ is a platform which will provide an opportunity to the youth to connect with, learn, experience from leading entrepreneurs of the country so they can bring their business plans closer to reality.
Lastly ‘Entrepreneur’s Conclave’ in partnership with Sabco Media will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear from industry experts on a variety of issues that are pertinent to business owners, while providing an outlook for all SMEs.
Feroz Khan, Sales Director, Sabco Art concluded saying, I am happy to see initiatives like ‘Entrepreneur’s Conclave’ take shape as this gives young entrepreneurs in Oman a huge platform to showcase their dream ideas and network with some of the best in the industry. For us to be part of this initiative is a huge honour. We at Sabco Media have decided to give ten thousand worth media packages to the winner to help start his/her dream project.”