Ajman:The First Thara Connect Forum has successfully concluded at the Thara Entrepreneurship Centre in Ajman. Organized by the Ajman Chamber, the event marked the launch of the Thara Investment and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. It brought together government leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and representatives from various economic institutions and emerging businesses.
According to Wam, the forum emphasized the significance of creating an integrated business environment that fosters innovation, transforms ideas into successful ventures, and generates sustainable investment opportunities. This initiative aims to solidify Ajman’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship and business development.
The forum featured three panel discussions that explored the government's role in supporting entrepreneurship, the readiness of startups for investment, and the experiences of founders in establishing and scaling businesses. Discussions also addressed the challenges and opportunities in financing, growth, and market access, resulting in several recommendations to enhance collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and investors.
Recommendations from the forum included expanding startup incubation and acceleration programs, improving startup investment readiness through sustainable business models, and increasing engagement between founders, venture capital funds, and investors. Additionally, the importance of empowering young entrepreneurs, Emirati talent, women, and people of determination was highlighted, along with fostering innovation in future-oriented economic sectors.
Maryam Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Chairperson of the Thara Investment and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, stressed the value of building on the forum's outcomes to strengthen connections between investors and entrepreneurs. She outlined Thara’s integrated model, which includes flexible workspaces, startup incubation, and investment solutions, providing essential support for business growth and expansion.
Marwan Hareb Al Aryani, Group CEO, detailed Thara’s five-year economic targets, which include generating AED 700 million in economic value, creating 3,135 direct jobs, and assisting 100 companies in their operations within Ajman. The ecosystem also aims to support 600 startups and attract AED 69 million in external financing.
The forum concluded with a startup competition, awarding Alfredo an AED 100,000 prize for its innovative business idea. This competition underscored Thara’s commitment to supporting promising ideas and transforming them into viable business opportunities, affirming Ajman Chamber’s efforts to bolster the emirate’s attractiveness for investment and entrepreneurship.