On 18th November 2024, as part of the Maldives’ inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, Villa College, in partnership with the Business Center Corporation (BCC), hosted a highly engaging Policy Forum on the topic "Fostering Entrepreneurial Growth through Innovative Economic Policies." The forum brought together key policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore strategies for creating a supportive environment that enables entrepreneurial growth in the Maldives.

Esteemed Panelists:

Mohamed Sharee, Director, Oxiqa and Former State Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technolog, highlighted the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and policy to support entrepreneurship.

Abdulla Nafiz, Dean, Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, Villa College, shared insights on the role of academic institutions in shaping future entrepreneurs and supporting innovative policy development.

Mohamed Eeman Ahmed, Director, Investment and International Relations, Business Center Corporation, provided perspectives on attracting investment and fostering collaboration between startups and established businesses.

Shareehan Ibrahim, Founder, Thakethi , discussed the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Maldives, emphasizing the importance of accessible policies.

Ibrahim Afsah, Manager, Credit, SME Development Finance Corporation, highlighted financial strategies and support mechanisms to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Moderator: Asst. Prof. (Dr.) Damith Gangodawilage, Deputy Dean, Qasim Ibrahim School of Business and Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, Villa College.

Key Discussion Points:

• Policy Innovation: Developing policies that promote entrepreneurship while ensuring economic sustainability.

• Access to Finance: Addressing challenges faced by startups and SMEs in securing financial support.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Encouraging stronger connections between government, private sector, and educational institutions to support entrepreneurial ecosystems.

• Sustainability and Innovation: Exploring the role of innovative policies in addressing environmental challenges and creating sustainable business opportunities.

The forum provided actionable insights into fostering entrepreneurial growth in the Maldives. It emphasized the need for innovative and inclusive economic policies that address the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses, paving the way for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.