Shell Intilaaqah launches iClub for budding entrepreneurs
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Shell Intilaaqah’s “Aspire & Inspire” programme has launched the “iClub”, an alumnidedicated association, where budding entrepreneurs can network and share challenges and success stories with each other to elevate their businesses.
Short for “Intilaaqah Club”, the iClub was launched during a special ceremony at Crowne Plaza Muscat, with participation from alumni, current Intilaaqah entrepreneurs and key partners. The ceremony was attended by Chris Breeze, Shell Oman Country Chairman, who gave a speech to empower entrepreneurs to develop their network of relationships, learn from each other and share best practices. The event also saw the participation of potential investors, interested parties and more than 40 of Shell Intilaaqah alumni and Omani entrepreneurs.
The platform aims to provide alumni with a platform to explore best business management practices and strategies, while providing them with access to innovative and entrepreneurial resources, as well as allowing them to meet industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs and potential investors.
The framework of the iClub was presented by Najwa Al Kindi, Director of Shell Intilaaqah’s Aspire & Inspire Programme Oman. In addition, the event saw the first elections at the club to ensure members are democratically elected, including Club President Khalid Al Haribi and Executive Committee Members Shaima Al Hajri, Ziana Al Shibani, Samia Al Mebsli, Khalfia Al Balushi, and Yousif Al Hashammi.
Najwa Al Kindi, Director of Shell Intilaaqah’s Aspire and Inspire said, “This is a great way for entrepreneurs to feel supported and to learn from each other. We hope that the iClub will nurture the entrepreneurial spirit within the community of Shell Intilaaqah graduates and increase the programme’s added value. We hope all members will make full use of it.”
The iClub also provides access to other SME eco-system players such as educational institutions, companies, research centres, incubators and industry experts. It will also allow Shell Intilaaqah to track the performance of the programme’s alumni and offer tailormade advice to help them grow their businesses.
Shell Development Oman is represented by Shell Intilaaqah and Riyada, strategic partners, which are jointly implementing the programme called “Aspire and Inspire”.
This programme is a fully rounded enterprise development initiative that aims at supporting Omani entrepreneurs through the different stages of their business startups, starting from the business ideas stage, to training, counselling and mentoring and business insolvency diagnostic support. This year, Shell Intilaaqah gave young entrepreneurs access to the market through the Ebdaat Omania Expo and Souq es Sabt, Oman’s first farmers’ market.