Wollo University, in collaboration with Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) – Ethiopia Amhara Region Coordination Office celebrated GEW 2017 by conducting several events that helped to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The events include panel discussions, students’ business idea competition, recognition of well performing micro and small business owners in the town, inspiration speech by prominent entrepreneur in the town, and student technology showcase exhibition.
The main agendas of the panel discussion were challenges of youths and graduates to start up their own business and the effect of Business Development Services (BDS) on SMEs growth. After deliberating on the issues, the participants have recommended what should be put in place to better support youth and graduates in starting their own businesses.
A business idea competition among students of Wollo University with innovative business ideas was conducted during the same time. The finalist pitched their business ideas in front of the judges and audiences. Winners who ranked first to third based on jury’s decision were provided with certificate of recognition and financial rewards. Video based student innovation initiatives were also exhibited during the event. Recognition was given to those who exhibited their innovation.
Likewise, best micro and small enterprise among enterprises based in Dessie and Kombolcha towns were also recognized and provided with certificate and financial incentives. During the GEW celebration, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, a renewed entrepreneur in the town, shared his entrepreneurial experiences with the audiences with the intention to inspire youth toward entrepreneurship.
The program took place on 18 November 2017 at Dessie and was attended by 64 participants and launched by Mr. Fasil Walelign, Vice President, Business Development and International Relation, Wollo University Business Development and was attended by members of high management of the university, representative from South Wollo Technical, vocational and enterprise development Department, entrepreneurs, representative from Dessie and Kombolcha cities Technical, Vocational and Enterprise Development Departments, and students of the university.