Institute of Leadership through Education and Development – iLEAD, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), organised a day long Youth Entrepreneurship Summit – YES2019 at Pakistan American Culture Centre (PACC) Auditorium, Karachi on September 18, 2019.
The main objectives of the summit were to provide an opportunity to talented young entrepreneurs to create market linkages, support them in attaining first-hand feedback from industry experts and provide access to opportunities for financial and technical assistance.
The event was chaired by Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Vice Chancellor, Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) Karachi and Ms. Christina Tribble, Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate Karachi, joined as co-chair of the event. Other dignitaries included Mr. Makhdoom Riaz, President PACC, Mr. Adil M. Butt, CEO College of Accounting and Management Sciences, Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Provincial Chief SMEDA Sindh and Mr. Yousaf Jilani, Member BOD and Chairman Cultural Committee.
After the inaugural session, the first cohort, consisting of eight entrepreneurs, pitched their business ideas their ideas to SMEDA and SMIU. ILEAD invited an independent jury, comprising of experts from academia and industry, to evaluate the elevator pitches.
The summit also held a panel discussion the gaps between academic and industry practices, dynamics of rural and urban entrepreneurship and the significance and potential of entrepreneurship. Chaired by Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, VC – SMIU, the expert panel consisted of Mr. Sikander Bizenjo, Manager Urban Youth Project of Karachi School of Business Leadership – KSBL, Ms. Anum M. Merchant, an established entrepreneur and founder of Sheviews, Ms. Anita Shah Lakyary, Writer, CSR and Development Professional and Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Provincial Chief – SMDA Sindh.
Followed by the panel discussion, the second cohort of entrepreneurs presented 11 innovative business ideas to the audience. In total, 113 entrepreneurs, which were trained by ILEAD at CAMS and KSBL, presented 19 business ideas. It is worth highlighting that due to a focused approach and innovative methodology of ILEAD’s mentors, these entrepreneurs came up with very comprehensive business ideas. Besides getting positive feedback, they also received feedback on ways to improve their business plans. Mr. Mukesh encouraged entrepreneurs to start their business and expand their ideas to innovative and tech-based enterprises.
Addressing the audience, Ms. Christina Tribble, Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate Karachi, said that:
“I believe that entrepreneurship will not only lead girls to economic empowerment, but it will also help them in carving an important space for themselves in the society.”
Two motivational speakers Mr. Munawar Hameed, Founder of Knowledge Pakistan and Mr. Atif Iqbal, Co-founder of Parhao were also invited to share their stories as entrepreneurs and encourage the participants to pursue their passion.
At the end of the summit, Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh said that:
“I am very impressed with the innovation demonstrated by the young minds here. It reflected the in-depth mentoring and training efforts invested in them. By pursing their business ideas, these entrepreneurs will not only attain a decent livelihood but will also contribute to the economic development of Pakistan.”
