Business owners enthusiastic to participate in Bahrain Award For Entrepreneurship

Manama, Dec. 26 (BNA): With only a few days to go before the 31st December deadline for registration in the 2nd Edition of The Bahrain Awards for Entrepreneurship, business owners are strongly urged to submit their applications for the chance to be part of the country’s most prestigious entrepreneurial awards which has generated a positive buzz for the Kingdom’s private sector and has drawn widespread interest among many business owners after demonstratingencouraging results for last year’s winners from businesses of various sizes and categories. Hala Mohammed Al Khalidi, Owner of Diet Delight said, "The prizes offered by The Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurshipopenup new possibilities and create recognition for companies especially for those inthe start-up phase. This is a great opportunity since it is extremely beneficial for us business owners to interact and share insights and experiences with other business owners from the same sector." Khalidi is urging all business owners to participate in the Awards. She said, "Even if you do not win anything, the Awards will help generate interest in your business and showcase your achievements." She also cited that the inclusion of a new Awards category for the 2nd Edition, "‘The Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ is a timely opportunity to address the phenomenal emergence of female entrepreneurs, a fast growing segment which has been making significant strides on all fronts." Jaafar Hamza, Director of Boxobia emphasised the crucial importance of the Award’s prizes: "The prizes are uniquely designed to encourage young entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams because the Award aims to ensure the growth of small- and medium-size businesses, and stimulate entrepreneurial spirit among them on a benchmark of excellence." He added, "The small- and medium-size enterprise sectors play an important role in achieving economic development and job creation, which is why there is a need for such Awards, to promote their crucial role in the economy and implement a plan of action for their sustained growth and development." Wafa Obaidat, Owner of Obai and Hill, said, "The Award propelled my business to a level beyond my expectations. It gave me the change and opportunity I needed. The awarding ceremony itself was so glamorous and it was like the Oscars for us. It was our moment of fame with all the photography, buzzand motivatingatmosphere. But what really pushed us further was the much-needed recognition and support which it generated towards my company and my team. It came with unparalleled benefits from Tamkeen, which leveraged our business and moved the company forward." Wafa Obaidat added, "What isalso overwhelming ishow people expressed their happiness over receiving this honourable award. Our clients were proud to have us as their agency. Potential clients got to sign up with us, and our triumph reached clients from as far away as Saudi Arabia, who all sent their warmest compliments.I encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to apply and just try all the benefits that we received were truly amazing, the awardsimply validated my agency." Faisal Sultan, Project Manager of the Awards event said, "We urge all Bahraini companies to participate in The Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship 2nd Edition, and seize this opportunity to win valuable incentives and prizes in six categories: Microenterprise of the Year, Start-up of the Year, SME of the Year, Sustainable Business Award, Enterprise of the Year with International Footprint and Female Entrepreneur of the Year. Amongst the 6 categories, there is the Sustainable Business Award that focuses on how enterprises incorporate sustainability principles into corporate culture, products and services, and how business activities cultivate positive environmental and social impact. The category is open for companies of all types, including social enterprises focusing on specific social or environmental needs. Another category, Enterprise of the Year with International Footprint, urges participation of all companies headquartered in Bahrain with international operations, and which seek to adopt strategies for international growth. The Female Entrepreneur of the Year invites ambitious and outstanding women in business with distinguished positions within established companies, and who are either co-founders, business owners or C-level executives. Mr. Sultanadded, "The Award will provide a financial package in support of entrepreneurial ventures ranging from 20-50 thousand Bahrain Dinars with provisions for growth programmes and business mentoring by strategic partners which include the Economic Development Board, Bahrain Development Bank and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with knowledge advisors led by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, EY Bahrain and UNIDO AICEI. The Award’s eligibility & evaluation criteria and application forms are available on the website at www.BahrainAE.com, on which enterprises can also apply and register directly in the ‘Apply Now’ link. For more details about The Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship, visit the website or social media channels Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @bahrainae