The National Institute for Entrepreneurship in Makkah helped 22 young Saudi graduates start their own enterprises under its 12th self-employment program with the cooperation of the Technical and Vocational Training Institute in Makkah.
Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, director of technical education for Makkah and chairman of the institute, praised the efforts of the National Institute for Entrepreneurship to help citizens become self-employed.
He said as part of the national institute’s program, students can use the training experience they received from the Technical and Vocational Training Institute and College of Technology in Makkah.
Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, director of the National Institute for Entrepreneurship, said of graduates who finished and succeeded in the program, it is just the beginning.
“After three weeks of hard training for 60 hours, entrepreneurs are then qualified for this self-employment program and prepared to support their plans technically and financially and how to carry out marketing for their projects and business,” he said.
He added the 22 projects from the students are the result of the strategic partnership program adopted by the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training in order to provide job opportunities for Saudi youth by encouraging them and enabling them to enter the labor market and become self-employed.
He also explained that those who want to enroll in such a program must be over 18 and have Saudi nationality. Their plan should be approved by a Saudi bank, be economically feasible, should not threaten the environment or health and safety and should not exceed a total investment cost of SR 300,000.
He explained the institute is also working to help young people to fulfill necessary procedures with various authorities and provides follow-up support for a full year after they start their projects and register with the Human Resources Development Fund.
Moufarred Rada Al-Saqafi, who received help to open a business selling and leasing construction equipment, told Arab News the organization helped him to start operations on a small scale but with a strong base. He added he is sure he will do respectable business by supplying excellent high-quality equipment at a suitable price.
He said that he had the dream to open his business for a long time but did not have the chance until the National Institute for Entrepreneurship stepped in to help.
Al-Saqafi added those who want to contact the organization can do so online.
Another graduate of the program, Waleed Abdul Aziz Al-Kazi, said his experience of the program was terrific. He added the institute taught students plenty of new things such as how to run a new business. He praised the institute staff, adding they were very supportive.
“This is a great opportunity for youth to learn and do something about their future. I worked for 12 years in different shops in the market but having my own business is something I thought was difficult to manage as I did not have enough information on how to run one. However, due to the institute’s program I was able to open my own business selling consoles and video games, which will make a difference to my life,” said Al-Kazi.
Other participants also praised the program. Anyone who needs more information can visit www.riyadah.com.sa
Self-employment program supports 22 graduates
