The 'Entrepreneurs Forum', founded by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) and one of its strategic partners, Berytech Technological Pole, opened today (May 21) in Lebanon.

The Forum is gathering more than 50 exhibitors, as well as advisors and international experts over two days, with the objective to support a nation of entrepreneurs.

'Our objective is to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate economic development through this initiative,' said Adel El Shared, vice chairman and managing director MBRF.

Exhibitors hail from professional companies and organizations covering various fields and offering several products, services, and sources of information especially tailored to startups, growing companies and small & medium enterprises (SMEs).

During the two-day forum, entrepreneurs will get to meet support institutions in ICT services, Finance and Risk Management, Auditing, Consulting, Training, as well as representatives from different Associations, Chambers of Commerce, and Government support agencies.

“This first Edition of the Entrepreneurs Forum is only a pilot version. We will build on it for next year and onward until it becomes a regional meeting point for all entrepreneurs and SMEs, not only from Lebanon, but also from nations across the Arab World,” added Maroun N Chammas, president and chief executive of Berytech.

On the sideline of the exhibition, a number of  seminars will be organised to feature expert speakers in various entrepreneurial topics such as: Unleashing creativity, thriving in the next generation of business, e-business, financing your enterprise, expanding or starting your business in other Arab countries, or how CRM can help your business grow.

In addition to the seminars, the Entrepreneurs Forum attendees will have the opportunity to meet one on one with Lebanon’s prime experts in fields such as branding, business planning, law, taxation, finance, intellectual property, franchise, media relations, online marketing, and sales. These personalised consultancies with industry experts will provide invaluable, focused and free guidance to entrepreneurs.

Participants can also pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. By presenting a complete business idea in only five minutes, successful entrepreneurs stand to win valuable prizes and have their plan backed by interested investors.-TradeArabia News Service