Tenmou Entrepreneurs Attend Mentorship Session with Ma'akum Candidates - My Startup World

Tenmou Entrepreneurs Attend Mentorship Session with Ma’akum Candidates

By: editor

On: February 10, 2014

In: Entrepreneurs, Wealth

Bahraini entrepreneurs supported by Tenmou, Bahrain’s first Business Angels, recently had an exclusive opportunity to attend a mentorship session with a selection of the Ma’akum, a group of sixteen prominent Bahraini businessmen who will be contesting the 28^thsession of elections for the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event was organised by Tenmou in partnership with Ma’akum and was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The event kicked off with an opening note from candidate Mohammed Almoayyed, after which 8 of the candidates each shared their start-up and success stories, touching along some heartwarming anecdotes and key advice about hardships along the way.

Mr. Almoayyed stressed on the importance of going back to basics saying: “Simplify things, the best ideas are the simplest”.

Many of the candidates including Khalid Al Amin highlighted how the motivation to break out of the family business truly fuelled his fire to be successful. “Networking is very important,” he said. “If you can help someone, do it. You never know when it could come back to you.” The candidates also advised the entrepreneurs on how they might gain competitive edge through strategic innovation, and dedication to their craft. “Always have a plan B and C,” said Deema Al Haddad. “You should be passionate about your business but remember to be realistic also.”

Jawad Al Hawaj emphasized on the old adage of the early bird catching the worm, noting “I have been coming to the office one hour before my secretary for 25 years.” Ali Hasan Mahmood highlighted the struggles he faced building a reputable brand, and noted the importance his education played in arming hi” he said. After divulging an amusing and inspiring tale on his venture into the furniture industry, Abdulhamid Kooheji noted “Honesty and dedication to your customers is very important – but trust in yourself and your abilities are equally important.”

The session was followed by a dynamic Q&A session, where the Tenmou participants received valuable insight and presented some of their prominent business challenges to the candidates who advised them on how to take risks and adapt readily to market situations.

Commenting on the mentorship session Hasan Haider, CEO of Tenmou said: “At Tenmou, we are proud to have our entrepreneurs trained by the Ma’akum candidates, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in leading successful business establishments, which can benefit our start-ups. Mentorship sessions such as this will help build relationships with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; an important partner in the long-term strengthening of their businesses. We believe they are the right candidates to see change and support for entrepreneurship in Bahrain and we encourage entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to choose them as our business leaders.”

Tenmou, as part of its long-term strategic plan, supports entrepreneurs with valuable business assistance, including financial investment, mentorship as well as advice and guidance. Tenmou recognizes that for many entrepreneurs, mentorship programmes can be as valuable as financial investments and effectively reduce many of the hurdles of being an early phase investor. Each project receives practical advice and training from the company’s board members, who bring with them a wealth of business experience.

Established in 2011, with a start-up capital of BD1 million (US$2.7 million),Tenmou invests an average of BD20,000 (US$53,000) for a stake of on average 20% in each project that meets its criteria, and will provide a three-month mentorship period, including support services, at no cost to the entrepreneurs.