The window between the ages of 18 and 30 is crucial to any young entrepreneur’s future—but are we hitting the mark in terms of professional development? Amira Mahmood discusses 9 important elements to their success—and Bahrain’s.
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what you do?
My name is Amira Mahmood, and I am a certified project manager. I hold a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from UOB and an executive MBA from the University of Strathclyde. I have two full-time jobs: the first as the manager at a private organisation, and the second as a volunteer board member and head of programs at the Youth Pioneer Society. I was recently selected as Mosaic’s in-country ambassador for Bahrain.
Can you tell us more about the Youth Pioneer Society?
The Youth Pioneer Society is a non-profit organisation founded by a group of young Bahrainis in August 2012 as the first civil society in the Kingdom of Bahrain to be concerned exclusively with youth professional development. We aim to increase knowledge and awareness of issues affecting youth, elevate their opportunities and promote trust and cooperation between individuals of varying backgrounds through dedicated programs in human resource development, entrepreneurship, academic advising, and others. So far, more than 3,800 young Bahrainis have benefited from our programs.
What is Chance, and what is the concept behind it?
The idea for Chance came when the YPS organised the first Youth Economic Forum in October 2014. The event was well-attended by economists and young Bahrainis alike, with the aim of discussing three primary issues: subsidy reform, the knowledge economy, and entrepreneurship. YPS designed Chance as a program formulated to develop entrepreneurship among ambitious young Bahrainis through three to four months of training from a group of business experts. We called it Chance because it gives all stakeholders (participants, mentors, jurors, speakers, and the YPS team) the opportunity to learn and grow.
What makes Chance unique among other programs?
Chance is designed by youth, for youth. Everyone involved is between 19 and 35. Also, it is delivered through a volunteering group from YPS who are a community-minded citizens believe in supporting Bahraini youth to reach their goals.
What do you hope participants gain from the program?
We hope that Chance will provide an unparalleled opportunity for young entrepreneurs in four areas: 1. The creation of successful and sustainable projects. 2. Successful realisation of ideas through consultation and guidance from business experts 3. Production of business plans that can be presented for banks and investors 4. Engagement with a network of entrepreneurs, mentors and business consultants.
I BELIEVE THAT INVESTMENT IN HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH AS KEY CAPITAL, WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PAY HUGE DIVIDENDS IN THE FUTURE.
Can you tell us about previous winners of Chance? Where are they now?
During the 2015 edition of Chance, we had three winners. The first-place winner, Shahad Alzaki, is the founder and the creative director of the Mievento creative hub. Shahad specializes in marketing, events, PR, and digital marketing and branding. The second-place winner, Abdulrahman Al Monshed, is proceeding with his higher education, which will provide him with enhanced perception and strength in business. The third-place winner, Jalila Sharaf, is partnering with other entrepreneur to expand her business in events giveaways.
What has been your greatest challenge in the establishment of this program?
Many and I already forgot about them! We work hard to overcome them, and once we achieve the program’s objectives, the sense of accomplishment takes over and we forgot the difficulties. However, we constantly run into the challenge of exploring several funding options. Without the donations and the support of our partners the valuable work we do in the community would not be possible. Also, the amount of time and effort required for such program is a significant commitment. This brings us to another ongoing challenge: a better work-life balance!
We believe entrepreneurship is the way to the future for Bahrain’s developing economy, especially in light of regional economic challenges. What are your thoughts on that?
As the saying goes, entrepreneurs are national assets to be cultivated, motivated, and remunerated to the greatest possible extent. With all the interconnected political, social, and economic challenges currently facing our nation, I believe that investment in human capital development, especially for youth as key capital, will undoubtedly pay huge dividends in the future.
Do you feel that organizations in Bahrain are working together sufficiently to help entrepreneurs, or do you think their efforts have been fragmented?
I would say there has been fragmentation in the efforts and services designed for entrepreneurs. Lately, however, things have become more organized. Any self-motivated entrepreneur would now know which organization he/she should approach, at which stage of his/her business, and for what. I hope the efforts become even more structured and effective for the best of Bahrain.