Photo: Mahmoud Shawkat
The forums use an innovative interactive play to encourage people to start businesses.
“I knew about flower arranging, but not how to start a business or get funding. The forum was very enlightening and educational. I found a company that helped me do a feasibility study, and an institution that gave me a $700 loan. I started my business in my home, and I’m doing well.” - Sana Johar, attendee
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Initiative
To inspire would-be entrepreneurs, USAID developed Entrepreneur Forums, which are held throughout Jordan. Showcasing successful entrepreneurs as role models, these events connect aspiring entrepreneurs with financial institutions and companies that provide business development assistance.
Entrepreneur Forums also feature an innovative, interactive stageplay that asks the audience to convince Firas—an unemployed young man whose wife is pregnant with their first child—to start his own business. Lacking self esteem and confidence, Firas initially rejects the idea. But with proper motivation from the audience and his ‘stage’ family, Firas begins to see entrepreneurship as the way to secure his financial future. The play complements information offered at the forums, encouraging current and future business owners to consider their potential and to recognize and capitalize on the resources that can help them..
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