USAID-Foras Launches Online Business Plan Training Competition for Iraqi Entrepreneurs Do you have a great business idea? Have you ever thought: “I can do this, if only I had the chance?” Well, here’s your shot: on September 10th, USAID-Foras launched the online Business Plan Training Competition (BPTC) for Iraqi entrepreneurs (challenge.foras-iraq.org) at the Royal Tulip Al Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad. This initiative is one of many being implemented by Foras to promote private sector growth and employment opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs. The goals of the competition are to: promote entrepreneurship; provide basic online business plan training; expose participants to the many Foras e-learning opportunities; connect participants to Iraq’s business community—including microfinance and investment. Training for the competition will be conducted online utilizing the Microsoft Build Your Business training modules via a partnership between Microsoft and the International Youth Foundation. At the end of the training the participants will need to submit a business plan concept, which will be judged and up to 10 winners will be selected in Basrah, Baghdad and Erbil. Securing the gains of USAID/Iraq’s longstanding commitment to Iraq’s private sector pioneers, Foras will provide advice and mentorship to Iraqi entrepreneurs. This project will also foster connections between entrepreneurs in Iraq and the Middle East, creating a regional network where experienced entrepreneurs can share their hard-earned wisdom, and help ensure future generations of business innovators. Iraqi Microfinance Institution (MFI) Chairmen, Mr. Ahmed Al Soraify stated that, “The MFI’s are committed to helping entrepreneurs in Iraq and will be working with Foras to identify 10 winners of the Business Plan Training Competition, who will receive an opportunity to receive access to financing from the MFI’s in Iraq at zero interest.” One young entrepreneur was thrilled with the opportunity to participate in the competition, and said, “This is an excellent opportunity, and very important initiative to help many Iraqi youth build their own business. More importantly, it will allow more youth to get more involved in the Iraqi private sector.” As a result of this training competition, Foras anticipates to help develop a more professional cadre of young entrepreneurs in Iraq who know how to get access to funding and develop high quality business plans.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 13:06:03 +0000
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