Tasees, Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa’s Entrepreneurship Academy (EEA) and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Asmed) kicked off the fourth edition of the former’s Pre-incubation Program for startups.

Tasees, Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa’s Entrepreneurship Academy (EEA) and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Asmed) kicked off the fourth edition of the former’s Pre-incubation Program for startups at its premises in Azaiba.

The program was launched in the presence of Abood Al-Amri, Director General of Planning, Authority for SME Development.

Tasees’ Pre-incubation Programs aim to introduce entrepreneurs having creative and feasible ideas to business essentials that help them transform their preliminary idea or concepts into viable product or service offerings, and eventually into real-time businesses, within specific phases.

The fourth batch of the three and half month program received around 120 applications. After thorough review, 31 entrepreneurs were shortlisted to pitch their quality business ideas and join the program.

Entrepreneurs taking part in the pre-incubation process will receive professional coaching and mentoring sessions in two modules that will help them understand the nuances of starting a business, preparing marketing and operations plans, assimilating accounts and finances, preparing budgets and financial projections, creating business plans and models, and making investor pitches. Pre-incubation will thus act as a pipeline transfer, by helping startups complete the ideation and concept stages for the eligibility of participating in the next phase - incubation.

Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group said: “We are elated to begin yet another Pre-incubation for our talented startups in collaboration with Asmed. Tasees was launched to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among Omani nationals, build a thriving entrepreneurial environment and fast-track the nation’s economic diversification and fiscal sustainability efforts, in line with Vision 2040. Since its launch, it has helped nurture the dreams of aspiring local entrepreneurs and has paved the way for several innovative businesses.”

Mahmood bin Khalifa Al Saqri, Head of Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm mentioned: “At Eshraqa, we believe that corporate social responsibility has a profound positive impact on society, as it helps the nation meet its socio-economic aspirations. We thank God for granting Eshraqa success in developing and supporting entrepreneurs, in cooperation with Asmed. Partnerships of this nature between the public and private sector are vital. In the light of this, guided by the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and based on the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, Eshraqa will continue in its endeavour of supporting the national economy and society. It will work towards sustainable development and the betterment of all sections of society through the best possible social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.”

Abood Al-Amri averred: “We are proud to be collaborating with KR’s Eshraqa in implementing pre-incubation programs that help entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, transform their ideas into effective business solutions. This program is a prime example of our successful partnership with the private sector, as it supports small medium enterprises, and provides a support platform to those with innovative ideas by providing them with the best training required for them to excel as entrepreneurs.”

Established in 2018, ‘Tasees’ Entrepreneurship Academy is a part of Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, and aims to play an important role in incubating, mentoring, and guiding budding entrepreneurs. It is a one-stop-solutions-provider for start-ups and SMEs, giving them the scope and opportunity to change the socio-economic fabric of Oman. – TradeArabia News Service