Kuwait, 2 December 2018: Gulf Bank is continuing its involvement in the Fikra program to support the development of entrepreneurs. In addition to being the gold sponsor for the third consecutive year, Mr. Meshari Shebab, Assistant General Manager, Priority Banking represented Gulf Bank on the judging panel to help decide which teams of entrepreneurs will advance to participate in this year’s program.

In its 4th edition, the Fikra program aims to provide the youth in Kuwait with essential skills and knowledge needed to develop their business ideas into reality. Meshari Shebab aided in judging over 30 teams of entrepreneurs who pitched their business ideas in front of the judges and audience to be selected for the 4th Fikra program.

Mr. Ahmed Al Amir, Assistant General Manager for External Communication, Gulf Bank, said: “We are thrilled to be the gold sponsors of Fikra Program for the third year. At Gulf Bank, we aim to continue to empower the youth to reach their full business potential. Every year, we are inspired by the hard work and commitment we witness from these entrepreneurs, which in turn encourages us to work harder and achieve our business goals.”

Also commenting on the occasion is Meshari Shehab, Assistant General Manager, Priority Banking: “I am honored to have been part of the judging panel as each team presented their business ideas passionately. As part of Gulf Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, we aim to continue to work with and support the youth in Kuwait to develop their business goals as we believe they are the future of Kuwait.”

On the day of the event, each of the shortlisted teams were given three minutes to pitch their innovative business ideas, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judging panel. At the end of the event, 15 teams were chosen to continue with the Fikra program training which will conclude on 2nd April 2019.

Fikra Program was launched in 2015 as a corporate social responsibility program. It is an intensive entrepreneurship training program open to the country’s youth graduated with any major who can apply individually or in a team. Providing one-to-one mentorship for guidance and support as well as business training through workshops and field trips.

For further details about Gulf Bank initiatives, please visit the Bank’s website: www.e-gulfbank.com or its social media accounts.