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New web-training program for SMEs

Dubai, February 1, 2011

Potential, a Dubai-based business development company, has launch a free web-training program to boost the global competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Mena region.

'SME Evolution Program' is one of Potential's interactive business development programs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, said a statement from the company.

Tecom Investments, a member of Dubai Holding, organised the program launch with the support of its five key partners: Google and Intel, two leading global blue-chips with big focus on the region, Aramex and Zawya, two leading SME success stories from the region, and Harvard professor Michael Porter's AllWorld Network which helps advance the growth of companies in emerging markets worldwide.

It plans to hold roadshows across the Mena region to launch the country versions of the program through relevant local partnerships, including important SME-focused government initiatives.

Over an initial period of six months, the program will provide a valuable blend of more than 50 free 'webinars' or online interactive training sessions as well as live workshops in collaboration with professors from top international universities. 

'SMEs represent the backbone of the region's economies, with employment opportunities in some countries representing up to 85 per cent of GDP,' said Shadi Banna, managing partner of Potential.

'We plan to quickly reach about 500,000 of them in the first 12 months encouraging a large number of SMEs to attend.'

The webinars, tailored to size of companies, will enable SMEs to participate in focused practical exercises, templates and tools that they could use in their business, he added.

The SMEs will also be encouraged to participate in the 'Arabia 500 Competition' in partnership with the US-based AllWorld Network.

'AllWorld has partnered with Potential on their innovative SME evolution program to set a new benchmark for entrepreneurial development and to drive progress for the region and beyond,” said Deirdre M. Coyle Jr., co-founder of AllWorld Network.

'At end of the program, participants with the best ideas for sustained growth will be the true success stories that would serve as role models to other SMEs in the region. In addition to gaining more exposure to funding, the top businesses will also get valuable rewards and other free gifts from the main sponsors,' Coyle Jr. added.

Wael Ghonim, head of marketing, Mena at Google, said: 'SMEs are a crucial part of the ecosystem in the region. We're excited to be part of this initiative as the Internet enables SMEs to be easily reached by their local and international customers and suppliers.'

'Most of the SMEs, especially in emerging markets, don’t have the necessary IT infrastructure to operate efficiently,' said Nassir Nauthoa, general manager for the GCC, Intel Corporation.

'We at Intel provide training and resources to the system builders who serve that market segment so that more small businesses can manage their computing infrastructure efficiently.”

Hussein Hachem, Aramex CEO for Middle East and Africa, highlighted the significance of Potential's initiative in moving SMEs business to a further step of development.

“Our support of this initiative reflects the core values and entrepreneurial culture of Aramex, which is committed to leveraging resources, knowledge, expertise and networks to nurture the expansion of SMEs across the region,” said Hachem.

“SMEs represent a significant segment of the Middle East’s economy,' said Gunnar Skoog, CEO, Zawya. 'To remain competitive and grow their business, it is crucial that these companies have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive market intelligence, which is what Zawya provides,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Google | Tecom | Aramex | potential | SMEs web training |

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