Tuesday, 2 July 2013

MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition and @AstrolabsME ; Now Powered by @google For Entrepreneurs



Google for Entrepreneurs to support various initiatives which aim to develop entrepreneurial ecosystem in the MENA region


A joint partnership between Google For Entrepreneurs and MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition was announced today. The competition, which fosters entrepreneurship and startups in the MENA region, has been ongoing since 2008 with tens of thousands of applicants and hundreds of entrepreneurs having been part of the competition.



The competition is supported by Google for Entrepreneurs to increase technology adoption and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet, engage and exchange ideas. This unique launch opportunity puts MENA on the map as the hub for entrepreneurs looking for the necessary support to turn their ideas into viable startups. Competition such as the MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition help entrepreneurs by putting them on the path for real and measurable economic success.

“Google began as a startup in a garage and remains a startup at heart. We are committed to helping build a vibrant ecosystem for startups and enabling the next generation of entrepreneurs to be successful.” stated Bridgette Beam, Global Entrepreneurship Manager for Google. She added, “Google supports innovation and entrepreneurship both internally and externally through technology, partnerships, and programs and by fostering a culture of innovation. Our commitment to the MIT Enterprise Arab Business Plan Competition is an excellent example which aims to further the efforts of the entrepreneurs and build startup communities.”

In addition to the business plan competition, Google’s entrepreneurship efforts in the MENA region have been expanding thanks to initiatives lead by AstroLabs. AstroLabs hosts interactive workshops to provide the most promising startups with mentorship, and to help create a network of communication between entrepreneurs. The collaboration between Google and AstroLabs regarding the entrepreneurs-focused series stems from the belief that startups form the cornerstone of healthy economies around the world. The workshops aim to educate, integrate and fund high-potential startups across the Arab region by providing impact-driven coursework, mentorship, and opening access to capital, case studies, interactive discussions and best practices to entrepreneurs.

The MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition is the largest and most prestigious business plan competition in the MENA region. The 2012 event attracted more than 4,500 applications and the 2013 edition recently announced the final winners in late April.


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