I do encourage them STRONGLYYYYYYY!
I will be there 100% inshalla!

3asahom 3alla ilqwa!

What is needed is a focused government backed small business association, and not just a financing package as provided by some private run government funds such as Shareeki and the Industrial Bank. It should provide the following:

-Business concept development workshops to direct young entrepreneurs towards lucrative sectors of the economy as well as development of original ideas and not bad copies of others.

-Business Plan assistance.

-Administrative assistance, this keeps the youth focused on the business and not the paperwork.

-Government procedures assistance. This is by far the most needed as it currently hinders most businesses.

-Government backed financing (which is available, but run by unqualified third parties)

These among many other services is what is currently needed and not some elitist youth organizations such YAL etc.

There is no small business association to help people through the process (perhaps because larger companies don’t want the competition?).

Like-minded organizations (LOYAC, Jusoor Arabiya, Kuwait Economic Society) should, however, join forces to collaborate/ promote better opportunities for young Kuwaitis; instead of re-inventing the wheel every time someone has a great idea.

We clearly need to support the underdog (the small business) as opposed to the conglomerates with their foreign brand names. Your event could have focused on supporting this one guy/gal who came up with a local concept for a cafe house and is struggling to compete with his international counter part (Starbucks).

Your criteria should not only go for Kuwaiti Nationals, but to Kuwaiti-specific brand creations and local business ideas by young Kuwaitis and expats alike that dare to pit their creations against Big business.