Entrepreneur's Journey programme to launch in Dubai

Dubai business leaders guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the start-up process

 

Aspiring entrepreneurs will work directly with leading members of Dubai’s start-up community to develop their business ideas as part of a practical programme launching in the city this month.

The Entrepreneur’s Journey, an initiative of the London Business School Careers Centre, is a five-part event series open to LBS students, alumni and Dubai technology entrepreneur centre (DTEC) founders in Dubai.

Developed by Jane Khedair, Head of Entrepreneurship at the LBS Careers Centre, the programme guides participants through the entire incubator process. Topics addressed include the ‘the start-up toolkit’, ‘turning an idea into a business’ (April 21), and ‘getting investment ready’ (May 12). It will culminate in a pitching competition on June 23.

Khedair said although the programme had previously run in London, the upcoming Dubai intake marked its first outing in the Middle East.

“We know from the previous Entrepreneur’s Journey programmes we’ve run that many of our students and alumni have great business ideas, and some have even begun the difficult journey of seeing their dream turned into a reality,” she said.

“The event series is there to offer the extra guidance, feedback and even inspiration needed to take their businesses to the next level.

“A major feature of the programme is its flexibility. It’s about giving participants choice so that they can tailor their experience to meet their needs and the needs of their business. Some participants are already relatively deep into the incubator process and attend just some of the sessions, while others come for all five; it’s up to the individual.”

The first session of the upcoming event series, ‘So you want to be an entrepreneur’, will be held on March 17. Participants at the session will hear from business leaders Sarah Jones, founder of online marketplace for mums Sprii.com, and Bilal Ballout, founder of BMB-Group, and motivational speaker Patrick Osman.

Hans Henrik Christensen, director of DTEC, will also speak on the topic of innovation and start-ups in the Middle East.

The Entrepreneur’s Journey is open to LBS students and alumni, and limited number of DTEC founders. Students can sign-up to the programme via Career Central.