Shell has announced its participation in a programme in the UAE to help young entrepreneurs set up and manage small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The company is sponsoring a management diploma programme for such businesses introduced by the Hamid Bin Rashed Al Nuaimy Institution for Human Resources Development and Ajman Businesswomen’s Council in partnership with the American University of Cairo.
The six-week programme, open to men and women, provides an overview to students on various aspects to be considered before setting up ventures of small or medium size. It will also provide information on sources of finance and suitable business or industry sectors that youngsters can choose. Preparation of feasibility studies for new projects will also be part of the course content.
 Dr Amneh Khalifa, general manager of the Hamid Bin Rashed Al Nuaimy Foundation, said his organisation, having recognised the potential of youngsters in Ajman to play a major part in the growth of the emirate’s economy, decided to nurture their entrepreneurial and management skills.
“The introduction of this diploma programme will give an opportunity to the youngsters to learn the finer points of setting up business projects of their own and to effectively manage them. This will not only make them self-sufficient, but also contribute to the UAE’s economic prosperity and development.”
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, head of external affairs and HSSE (health, safety, security and environment), Shell, said, “Shell is pleased to support an important programme such as this which will provide the required impetus to the UAE’s youngsters to realise their entrepreneurial capabilities.
“Our involvement with this programme reinforces our commitment to support youngsters, who we believe are key to a nation’s overall progress. This diploma programme is designed for enterprising individuals who wish to launch a new venture or improve an existing small business. A theoretical and practical knowledge of various aspects of successfully operating a business venture will prove extremely beneficial on the long run.”
The Small and Medium Business Management Diploma Programme consists of more than 70 practical and theoretical training hours. The candidate will have to present the actual proposed project at the end of the six-week programme to be awarded the diploma. The programme content is divided into several topics such as work environment, feasibility study, finance departments for small enterprises and advertising and marketing services for small and medium projects.