University Of Manchester Middle East Center Holds Annual Women In Business Forum 2019 In Dubai The panel discussion explored different topics, from building your startup, to the fundraising process, and overcoming challenges as a female entrepreneur.

Organized by the University of Manchester Middle East Centre, the Annual Women in Business Forum 2019 was held on the 4th of November 2019 at the Fairmont The Palm, Jumeirah.

Gathering alumni, entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders, the event explored different topics, from building your startup, to the fundraising process, and overcoming challenges as a female entrepreneur.

Dubai Business Women Council Business Development Manager Nadine Halabi talked about the council's goal of empowering women with their initiatives, while Ranya Saadawi, Head of Global Grant Management, Expo 2020 Dubai, presented the grants offered by the entity (that can be up to US$100,000) that are up for grabs for female social entrepreneurs around the world.

Moderated by Basrah Gas' Oghale Akpobome, the panel consisted of Xpence's founder and CEO Saad Ansari, Basiligo's Managing Partner Justine Corrado, Dubai-based serial entrepreneur Joy Ajlouny and Itani & Company Marketing Solutions' Managing Director Maya Itani. For startups raising funding, Ansari advised to remember to first "create and add value" to your startup before approaching investors, while Aljouny reminded entrepreneurs to tell a story with your pitch.

On hiring, Itani pointed out, "Hire diversely and train your team to make decisions. As an entrepreneur, good enough is good enough- let go of being a perfectionist." And for early-stage entrepreneurs, Corrado noted, "Don't second guess yourself on what's perfect, work on your prototype. Be agile and keep pivoting against setbacks."

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