Gulf Bank gold sponsor of 2nd Fikra Program Transforming ideas into business projects
Gulf Bank announced its gold sponsorship of Fikra Program in a press conference held to launch the second edition of this program that empowers a new generation of entrepreneurs to develop successful businesses. The press conference, which was organized by Cubicle Services, took place on Tuesday 6 December 2016, at Al-Hamra TowerExhibition Hall, in Kuwait City.
Having strategically partnered with the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, Fikra Program organizers along with the sponsors confirmed that the deadline for entrepreneurs to submit their projects and ideas is January 1 2017.
Abdulrahman Al-Fawaz, CEO of Cubicle Services addressed the business incubators by explaining that Fikra Program for business development is being launched in its second edition after accomplishing a great success last year. Fawaz said: “The program seeks to encourage young Kuwaitis to turn their business ideas from mere thoughts into business plans and implementations, by applying the highest standards of development and training before presenting their projects to potential investors.”
“Fikra Program embodies the spirit of cooperation between all institutions involved in the youth and SMEs whether these institutions are from the private or public sector. The incubators’ business activities are part of an ecosystem where sponsors of Fikra Program are playing a pivotal role in contributing to the promotion and development of SMEs.”
Esra Al-Habib, Gulf Bank’s External Communications Manager also made a statement highlighting the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs and said: “Gulf Bank is proud to be the gold sponsor of Fikra Program in its second edition and we are pleased to incorporate it as part of our social responsibility plan. In fact, Gulf Bank is strongly committed to giving back to Kuwait as it supports numerous events and initiatives focusing on youth, education, health and fitness, helping the underprivileged, women’s empowerment, as well as promoting Kuwait’s heritage and culture.”
Habib added: “We believe in the high potential of the youth in Kuwait, we are fond of supporting their innovative ideas and projects. We are here to sponsor Fikra Program in order contribute in turning youth’s dreams into reality which will eventually create new employment opportunities, and enhance our economy by diversifying it.”
The main goal of Fikra Program is to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs to develop successful businesses and advance the local Kuwaiti market. It is an intensive entrepreneurship training that provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the technical skills and business knowledge needed to launch their own businesses such as leadership skills, comprehensive business plan, investment opportunities and others. The first edition of the program resulted in establishing 33 percent of businesses, while 44 percent are still in the negotiation phase with investors.
For more information on Gulf Bank, please visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches, call the Customer Contact Center on 1805805, log on to www.e-gulfbank.com, Gulf Bank’s bilingual website, or visit its social media channels.