Khalifa Fund's Future Entrepreneur Programme Empowers Emirati Youth with Entrepreneurial Skills

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development's (KFED) Future Entrepreneur programme, designed for youth aged 6 to 18 years, has successfully concluded its first edition. The programme aimed to foster innovative skills, financial management capabilities, and a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs. With over 1,000 applicants, 948 were selected for training, and 134 youth were chosen for a final bootcamp. The programme included interactive workshops, real-world experiences, and a marketplace showcase, where participants presented their products and services. The programme's CEO, Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, stated that the programme is a key pillar in supporting Abu Dhabi's vision to promote entrepreneurship among young people and equip them to start ventures that support the national economy's diversification and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• The Future Entrepreneur programme received over 1,000 applications, with 948 participants selected for training on financial literacy and entrepreneurship fundamentals.
• 134 youth were chosen for a final three-day bootcamp, where they developed their business ideas across three main pathways: food and beverage, goods and merchandise, and STEM projects.
• The programme included interactive workshops, real-world experiences, and a marketplace showcase, where participants presented their products and services.
• Participants received expert guidance and were given the opportunity to test their ideas in a simulated market environment.
• The most outstanding projects were selected to join the Future Builders Launchpad, which provides financial and technical support to help turn their ideas into business ventures.
• Graduates will receive ongoing mentorship programmes to ensure their long-term success in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• The programme is a strong example of effective cross-sector collaboration in developing youth capabilities and highlights Abu Dhabi's dedication to empowering its citizens with essential skills for future success.

Statistics:

• Over 1,000 applicants participated in the Future Entrepreneur programme.
• 948 participants were selected for training on financial literacy and entrepreneurship fundamentals.
• 134 youth were chosen for the final three-day bootcamp.
• 25 projects involved 70 students in the food and beverage sector.
• 16 projects with 33 students focused on goods and merchandise.
• 13 projects featured 30 students in STEM projects.
• The marketplace showcased 54 projects, with participants selling their products and services to over 350 attendees.

Sources:

• mid-east.info
• SyndiGate Media Inc.