STAFF REPORT ISB: A total of 30 trainers from all over Pakistan are being trained on the ILO global module, Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) in collaboration with the HEC to strengthen business incubation centres.
“The training has a special focus on gender dimensions of entrepreneurship training and business development so that business incubation centres can meet the needs and expectations of female entrepreneurs effectively,” a statement of the ILO issued here on Wednesday said.
The initiative is being piloted in 12 HEC accredited universities from all four provinces of Pakistan as well as Gilgit-Baltistan. Other development based organizations participating in the training including PPAF, Punjab Vocational Training Council and SMEDA.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are the hallmark of any vibrant economy,” said Munawar Sultana, Senior Programme Officer, ILO, during the 13-day training of trainers in SIYB.
Uzma Naz-HEC Representative, said that universities and colleges provided the perfect setting for students to generate business ideas and get the support and guidance to turn them into real enterprises.The training was facilitated by Gemenu Wijesena, Senior Master Trainer, SIYB Association of Sri Lanka, and Shahanaz Kapadia Rahat, a veteran in the field of entrepreneurship and gender equality.
The ILO has been part of these efforts by helping governments and private sector to provide more and better services to start-ups and existing small enterprises to support job creation.