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The 8th edition of the StartSmart Forum, an annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and experts in the entrepreneurship sector, witnessed the signing of 6 collaboration agreements between Community Jameel Foundation and various public and private organizations that operates in entrepreneurship, training, and employment sectors. These agreements were signed on the sidelines of StartSmart 2024, as part of the Community Jameel Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting youth, encouraging innovation, and creating businesses to foster income generation and bolster the national economy.

Among these agreements, the StartSmart competition signed a collaboration with the Savola World Foundation to provide cash prizes for winning environmental projects in this year’s edition, along with future support for the winning projects. Additionally, in a continued effort to support entrepreneurs, StartSmart signed a partnership with the National Entrepreneurship Committee of the Saudi Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce to further develop a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and their initiatives. Another agreement was signed with SEDCO Holding through its Rawad program for financial awareness, to support entrepreneurs by training participants through complimentary workshops and consultations that focus on essential financial skills and knowledge for the success of their ventures.

In an effort to offer comprehensive supportive services for entrepreneurs, StartSmart signed an agreement with Work & Co and White Space shared workspaces. Through this agreement, the partners will offer special rates for workspace access, event hosting, and helping entrepreneurs build their teams and grow their businesses. Furthermore, in training and skills development, Bab Rizq Jameel signed a collaboration agreement with the Institute of Research and Studies at Umm Al-Qura University to provide academic training programs for young men and women, enhancing their opportunities to develop their skills.

These agreements mark a significant step toward achieving Community Jameel Foundation’s objectives in competencies development and entrepreneur empowerment, contributing to the enhancement of existing initiatives, the creation of new programs, expanding access to comprehensive services, and generating new employment opportunities.

Dr. May Taibah, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Deputy Managing Director of Bab Rizq Jameel, commented, “We are delighted with the outcomes of this year’s StartSmart Forum, particularly these agreements, which reflect our commitment to supporting and developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. We believe in the value of collaborative efforts and partnerships between the public and private sectors and other stakeholders. We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and look forward to working together to achieve tangible results that will bring positive impacts soon.”

It is worth noting that competencies development and entrepreneur empowerment are core areas of development for the Community Jameel Foundation, realized through its developmental organizations such as Nafisa Shams Academy, Bab Rizq Jameel, and the StartSmart Entrepreneurship Competition. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Foundation has supported entrepreneurs by providing access to entrepreneurial training, guidance, and mentorship and creating an encouraging environment to launch their business ventures.