In collaboration with the Department of Information Technology in King Saud University (KSU), the National Commercial Bank (NCB) has launched “how to start your small business” program specially designed to develop the skills of female students graduating in the field of e-commerce entrepreneurship. Engineer Mahmoud Al-Turkistani, vice president and head of the Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, signed the agreement with Nadia Alghremil, head of Information Technology Department in King Saud University, to launch the program at the university this month. Where the program is purposed to strengthen the abilities of female students in taking practical steps for developing successful e-business models, it will also contribute to keeping pace with the global development in the field of electronic commerce. The course, which is part of the bank's social responsibility programs, will train 70 female students on establishing companies that can supply the local and the global markets with high economic value products and services. The participants will attend specialized lectures in e-business where they will be assisted in acquiring and developing specific entrepreneurial skills necessary for piloting their projects. Al-Turkistani pointed out that this initiative derives its focus from the importance of the role of modern technology which has introduced a fertile field for creativity and distinction. He added that women contribution in bringing about the desired social transformation is highly effective in such fields through bringing out new projects that match their capabilities and potential. “The National Commercial Bank, being aware of this potential” he stated, “pays special attention to such projects which are of high economic and social viability as they open new areas for female initiators in various fields to achieve their objective,” he said. Alghremil said the bank's keen interest in academic activities significantly encourages young men and women to invest in their talents, and positively exploit their abilities in supporting the development of the nation. Alghremil further said the participants in the program will be guided by a group of councilors who will support their plans development and will strengthen their capacity to foresee business opportunities and build successful businesses in their light. The program will also host some local and international companies in the area of e-commerce who will share their expertise with the students in order to expand their horizons and increase their awareness of the e-business environment. Alghremil pointed out that the advantage of electronic commerce, which requires modest investment capitals compared to traditional establishments, is more vivid nowadays especially in the current economic conditions and challenges. This program will moreover present an opportunity for proper networking with the private sector and big national projects. The participants in the program will have the opportunity to promote their ideas to a committee of investors and experts in business entrepreneurship who will assess the projects' feasibility studies from an economic stand point and from a social and developmental angle as well, and thereafter embrace winning ideas and help their owners bring their plans into real life.
