As part of its longstanding efforts to sow seeds of entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, Jordan Ahli Bank recently announced its participation as a Strategic Partner in the 5th Queen Rania National Entrepreneurship Competition (QRNEC) -- an event that empowers Jordanian technology entrepreneurs to harness their ideas by providing a viable platform for them to launch new companies. This sponsorship came as part of a mutual cooperation agreement signed between the two parties on Tuesday, May 29th. Founded by the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship in 2004, with the full support of El-Hassan Science City & El-Hassan Business Park, the 9-month competition strives to advocate entrepreneurial skills as students and mature entrepreneurs coalesce their knowledge with their resources to create a business plan that is both innovative and practical. In addition to raising awareness on potential opportunities in technology start-ups and recognizing innovative and outstanding technology business ideas, the event seeks to foster the entrepreneurial spirit in younger generations, encouraging them to take their projects from concept to implementation. Jordan Ahli Bank appreciates that start-ups and small businesses represent the backbone of our economy and their growth must be encouraged. It is our duty to support more Jordanians, especially in the governorates to become entrepreneurs, to depend on themselves, and to promote job creation especially in areas of most need," commented Saad Mouasher, Deputy CEO / Head of Group Strategy and Corporate Communications at Jordan Ahli Bank . QRNEC CEO Eng. Farhan Kalaldeh praised the active role played by Jordan Ahli Bank in fostering a solid, knowledge-based economy not only through its banking operations but through its continued support of initiatives geared toward promoting innovation and productivity. He explained that the QRNEC fosters innovation in a multitude of vital fields, including ICT, bioengineering, agriculture, renewable energy, water works, living sciences and other advanced technologies, all of which are essential for securing quality living for future generations. Kalaldeh also noted that, as of mid May 2012, the competition began receiving registration applications by potential participants, who will at a later stage undergo world-class training supervised by leading experts in various fields. Several stages and events will follow, leading up to the announcement of the winners approximately 9 months down the line. QRNEC had 400 participants in its fourth round, championing more than 120 projects. The competition process involved comprehensive training in the areas of strategic planning, business plan development, project management and other topics related to starting and growing high impact technology companies, all of which targeted more than 5,000 participants. Jordan Ahli Bank continually supports initiatives geared toward instilling entrepreneurial behavior in the Kingdom's youth and younger generations, the most recent of which being its sponsorship of Al Jude Foundation's "Sherkitna" initiative. Press Release
