KUWAIT: In a continued effort to empower and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, Zain participated in awarding the winning students of the 9th KON Social Entrepreneurship Program. The ceremony, marking the program’s conclusion, was held at the American University of Kuwait. Zain’s ongoing support for this successful initiative came under its strategic partnership with the leading non-profit organization LOYAC, a collaboration that spans 20 years and has empowered thousands of ambitious young people in Kuwait through hundreds of engaging programs.
Over the course of a month, students engaged in interactive workshops, field visits, and insightful training sessions. They culminated their experience by presenting final business pitches to a panel of judges, which included experts and executives from Zain and other private sector companies. The judges selected the winners and then recognized them on stage at the closing ceremony.
Zain commends the dedication and passion of all the young participants, who worked tirelessly to transform their ideas into viable, sustainable business ventures. Their efforts align seamlessly with KON’s objectives and Zain’s vision to nurture young talent and strengthen the local innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. To add value to the program, Zain hosted at its Innovation Campus (ZINC) a special session on the essentials of public speaking and business pitching.
![Zain joined in awarding the winners.](https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://kuwaittimes.com/kuwaittimes/uploads/images/2024/08/19/145373.jpg&w=30&q=90&f=webp)
This provided the students with invaluable insights into how to effectively pitch their ideas to potential investors, helping them turn their visions into sustainable startups. The KON program, which came in collaboration with Babson College, a leading US academic institution for business and entrepreneurship, featured over 50 young individuals aged 12-16. The program was designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to launch and manage their own businesses in the future.
The program featured interactive workshops, field trips, training sessions, and more. These activities provided the students with a hands-on understanding of business and entrepreneurship, while also deepening their awareness of social and environmental challenges. Under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs, activists, and industry professionals, the students developed innovative solutions to these challenges.
The strategic partnership between Zain and LOYAC has resulted in numerous successful programs and initiatives over the past 20 years, empowering thousands of Kuwaiti youth in business, volunteering, and academic projects. Zain considers this collaboration a testament to the strength and resilience of the ecosystem between the private sector and non-profit organizations in fostering youth empowerment in Kuwait.