SME Success Series

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have it tough, balancing between limited resources and making investments to grow their business. Add to that the recent economic crisis, which certainly didn't help!

In some ways the negative sentiment does nothing to help business recover. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy, based on fear and doubt. Which is why we decided to launch a series of road shows and intimate events over the coming year that will focus on what CAN be done, and the best way forward.

These road shows and networking events will be held across the emirates over the coming year. Not only will the events be educational and informative, but will also provide platforms to voice concern, make new contacts through networking and share experiences and advice.

Who will be there?
These focused events will be attended by a select audience of business owners and senior executives, by invitation only. Our aim is to keep the interaction intimate enough to provide real value and forge long-term business associates amongst audience members. At the end of the day, we want everyone to know everyone, and to collectively walk away with inspiration, solutions and new connections.

Speakers and mentors will include prominent regional representatives from the business community and government, as well as successful SMEs.

Sponsors

Presented by
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

ADCB was formed in 1985 and as at 30 June 2011 employed over 3,813 people from 49 nationalities, serving over 480,000 retail customers and over 33,000 wholesale clients in 45 branches, 4 pay offices and 1 kiosk in the UAE and two branches in India. It is the third largest bank in the UAE and second largest in Abu Dhabi by assets, at AED 179 bn as at 30 June 2011.

ADCB is a full-service commercial bank which offers a wide range of products and services such as retail banking, wealth management, private banking, corporate banking, commercial banking, cash management, investment banking, corporate finance, foreign exchange, interest rate, currency, derivative and Islamic products, project finance and property management services.

ADCB is owned 58.08% by the Abu Dhabi Government through the Abu Dhabi Investment Council. Its shares are traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market. As at 30 June 2011, ADCB's market capitalisation was AED 17 bn.

The SME Banking division offers a wide-array of financial products under the brand of "BusinessEdge". The products cover the entire spectrum of solutions across transaction accounts, trade finance and financing products. It also offers a range of lending products. All the SME products are also available under ADCB Islamic Banking - a Shari'ah compliant banking solution.

ADCB recently won the "Best SME Account" award by Banker Middle East Product Awards 2011 for its BusinessEdge suite of products.

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Exclusive Telecom Partner
du

du offer fixed and mobile telephone, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to individuals, homes and businesses, and carrier services for businesses. As a rapidly-growing enterprise, they have close to 2,000 staff, hailing from over 60 countries, working to enhance and expand their bouquet of service offerings, while being able to serve their customers in a variety of languages. Over 50% of their senior management team and customer-facing staff are also UAE nationals.

du contribute to the transformation of the UAE by providing customers with choice and making a difference in quality, innovation, and pricing. The 2.9 million people who signed up as active users of their services by mid 2009 prove that they have established themselves as one of the main operators of choice for the new subscribers in the UAE market.

More information can be found at www.du.ae

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Strategic Partner
Dubai Media City

Since its official opening in January 2001, Dubai Media City has grown to become a thriving business community hosting both global and regional media companies. The business park offers an environment that allows companies and individuals to operate with collective synergy and freedom whilst enjoying free zone benefits which include 100% business ownership and exemption from taxes as well as value added services such as networking opportunities, venue management services, industry building programmes and government services.

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Supported by
Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Dubai Internet City (DIC), is a member of TECOM Investments is the Middle East and North Africa's largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) cluster.

As a knowledge-oriented business model, DIC was the pioneer behind the creation of the cluster concept in the region.The ICT cluster hosts a dynamic international community of IT companies as a number of growing enterprises, entrepreneurships and ventures: Microsoft, Dell, Intel, IBM, Canon, General Electric and Cisco just to name a few.

Built inside a free trade zone, DIC is a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in the neighboring regions. DIC's market extends from the Middle East to the Indian Subcontinent and from Africa to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), covering nearly three billion people with a GDP of over US$10 trillion.

The ICT cluster in DIC is comprised of companies from the following sectors: software, Internet & multimedia, telecommunication & networks and IT services.

DIC offers companies 100% tax-free ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, easy registration and licensing, and solid intellectual property protection.

DIC also provides an environment that attracts all elements of the value chain. DIC's rich networking opportunities and core location allows companies to tap into resources, partnerships and ideas; a business environment that helps ICT businesses develop, innovate and grow.

For read more about Dubai Internet City please visit www.dubaiinternetcity.com

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Knowledge Partner
Dubai Knowledge Village

Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is the world's only Free Zone area dedicated to Human Resource Management and learning excellence. Established in 2003 as part of TECOM Investments, DKV aims to develop the region's talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.

DKV is a unique hub that offers the best selection of human resource management, consultancy, training and personal development programmes on a picturesque 1km long campus in the heart of Dubai, and has over 450 business partners. It offers a state-of-the-art campus with fully-equipped conference halls and meeting rooms. A variety of facilities including a food court, coffee shops, restaurants, supermarkets and other retail services are also available on site.  

DKV is host to a variety of business partners covering many specialised business segments including:

• Human Resource Development
• Executive Search
• Linguistics
• Assessment & Testing
• Research & Development
• Human Resource Consultancy
• Content Development
• Academic Service Providers
• Freelancers
• Non-Profit Organisations
• Retailers

DKV business partners enjoy special privileges such as 100% foreign ownership, 100% tax-free operations, 100% repatriation of profits and effortless visa and licensing issuance procedures. DKV partners also benefit from partnerships with Government and regulatory authorities.

For more information visit www.kv.ae

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Knowledge Partner
Potential

Potential has helped to pioneer the innovative Next Generation Performance framework for developing stars, whether individual entrepreneurs, large organisations or employees within SMEs.

Founded in 2005 with headquarters in Dubai and team locations across the Middle East region, Potential is supporting individuals and companies to kick-start their businesses, improve their performance, boost sales, improve customer service performance, innovate, expand and develop their next generation leaders.

The company's portfolio consists of consulting, coaching and training capabilities, deployed across products, such as the flagship Potential Entrepreneur programme for Entrepreneurs starting up their business, the SME Evolution Program for small and medium businesses as well as bespoke development programmes for large organisations.

Moreover, Potential has provided tailored performance improving programmes to over 50 leading corporations including Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Doha Bank, Dell, Du, Belkin, HP, and Saudi Telecom.

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Event Partner
Virtuzone

Established in 2009, Virtuzone is the very latest UAE free zone, with one key benefit – you don't have to rent an office or desk to get the trade license.

They are tailor made for entrepreneurs and start-ups. So if you need a legal UAE company structure to legitimise your business, but don't need a full time office, then Virtuzone is perfect for you.

Starting from 17,500 AED Virtuzone will provide a UAE company license. This company will be entitled to have up to five UAE employment/residence visas and have the use of Virtuzone's business centre facilities in Dubai and Fujairah, UAE.

The Virtuzone Company Package allows you to start up your own business easily and cost-effectively.
The package includes:

• A company license as an FZ LLC company
• Registered in a company name of your choosing
• A bank account in that company name
• Facility to have multiple shareholders
• Up to five residency visas
• Free- in house PRO (public relations officer) facilities

What you don't have to pay for or worry about:

• No office rental or fit out
• No security deposit
• No business plan
• No paid up capital

For more information visit www.vz.ae

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Event Partner
Urban Male Lounge

The Urban Male Lounge philosophy  is a relaxing environment offering practical grooming treatments tailor made for today’s busy man. A gentleman’s haven, Urban Male Lounge offers quick, effective, and fuss free treatments for the modern man. UML is the number one destination for a man’s grooming needs.

A barber shop, shaving, therapeutic sports massages, and hand and foot treatments are offered in an ultra hygienic and plush environment. The defining brand hallmarks are personalized service, attention to detail and the innovative addition of design and technology with plasma screens, wireless headphones, and WIFI embodied with cutting edge treatment procedures. 

The Urban Male Lounge  signature is modern, chic, holistic, professional, and affordable grooming  targeted to compliment the culture conscious, socially affluent and well-rounded 21st century male consumer.

Locations
DIFC - 04 425 0350
Mall of the Emirates - 04 395 1103

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Event Partner
New Age Beverages

New Age Beverages provides the most refreshing, healthy, beneficial beverages which meet the corporate high standards and brand promise - Drink. Naturally. The range includes Honest, Honest Kids, Alo and Bai.

Bai, the new thirst quenching drinks range, is powered by coffee's superfruit. Infused with essential nutrients and high antioxidants found in the coffee fruits, Bai provides natural energy without the high caffeine dosage found in normal coffee drinks.

Sumptuous flavours combine with the fact that the Bai range is extremely rich in free radical-fighting antioxidants - the coffeefruit contains over 100 times more antioxidants than that found in the blueberry and pomegranate fruits.

Bai comes in 7 different unique flavours and 2 groups of calorie counts. Bai 5 - with only 5 calories per serving - comes in Panama Peach, Sumatra Dragonfruit, Costa Rica Clementine and Congo Pear flavours. The normal Bai with 70 calories per serving include Mango Kauai,  Jamaica Blueberry and Kenya Peach flavors.

Bai and Bai 5 are  available at leading supermarkets and healthfood stores in the UAE.

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Business Community Partner
Zawya

Zawya is an online business intelligence provider focusing on the Middle East & North Africa, enabling nearly one million professionals worldwide to find and connect to the right business and investment opportunities in the region. With content and tools including detailed company profiles, timely aggregated news though Zawya-Dow Jones, industry and asset class research, an online network, and direct access to a team of 40+ experts covering most sectors, Zawya provides its users with the intelligence they need to conduct business in MENA. Headquartered in the UAE, Zawya has physical presence in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the USA. For more information, please visit www.zawya.com

Venue

Jumeirah Golf Estates
Thursday 27th October 2011, Fire Course,
1:00 pm tee-off

Venue info: www.jumeirahgolfestates.com  

Yas Links Golf Club
Thursday 3rd November 2011,
1:00 pm tee-off   

Venue info: www.yaslinks.com/golf 

Els Club
Thursday 15th December 2011
1:00 pm tee-off

Venue info: www.elsclubdubai.com