Cairo – Over 300 students from Cairo University’s Faculty of Commerce recently attended entrepreneurship awareness sessions organized by the U.S. Government aimed at increasing understanding of business ownership. 

“The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides support to entrepreneurs in order to promote job creation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth for Egypt,” said Mary Ott, USAID’s new Mission Director.  “We are impressed by the dynamic business ideas we hear from Egypt’s youth, and want to do everything we can to support the best ideas to be brought to market.”

Successful Egyptian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and mentors provided inspiring stories and information about programs that support entrepreneurship.  The sessions were part of the U.S. Government’s Global Entrepreneurship Program and were sponsored in collaboration with the Faculty of Commerce at Cairo University and Maksaby, a local entrepreneur support organization.  Other business development organizations such as Endeavor, Injaz, and Flat 6 Labs also presented.

"The Faculty of Commerce at Cairo University (FCCU), through its unique collaboration with USAID, is reaching out into the business community to bridge the gap between academia and business,” noted Dr. Gamal Shehata, Professor at FCCU.  “We are creating opportunities for our students to work with entrepreneurs and to connect with organizations that provide entrepreneurship support in Egypt."

The U.S. Government supports Egypt’s economic growth by providing training, mentoring, and links to financing for entrepreneurs.  To date, USAID has helped new Egyptian entrepreneurs to launch 46 start-up companies – 18 of which are owned by women – creating 166 new jobs.