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New ‘Employee to Entrepreneurs’ Program: DEIZ’s Transforms Staff into Startups

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dubai turns employees into entrepreneurs with new initiative

Dubai, already recognized as a global startup hub, has launched yet another exciting initiative which is bringing opportunities at doors of working class. The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has launched the “Employee to Entrepreneur” program, a strategic move through which employees working in it and its affiliated economic zones can start and grow their very own businesses.

This new initiative also aligns perfectly with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the top three urban economies in the world and to create 30 unicorn companies by the year 2030.

With this launch, Dubai has yet again proved why it is a place where ideas take flight, where anyone with a vision can become a leader.

About DIEZ: The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) is a government authority in Dubai that manages and regulates three premier economic zones: Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity.

By bringing together the features and strengths of these zones, DIEZ offers comprehensive business support, fosters a culture of innovation and sustainability, and provides investment opportunities across various industries.

About the Program: Transforming Employees into Next-Gen Business Leaders

DIEZ is rich in infrastructure and resources, making it a warm and nurturing environment for all kinds of businesses. Imagine these resources were also available to its workforce, people who have great ideas?

With this in mind, the authority launched a unique program called “Employee to Entrepreneur”. This program promotes a culture of entrepreneurship among its employees. Under this program, employees currently working in DIEZ and its economic zones can go ahead with business setups, and authority will offer them the strongest support needed to help them succeed.

Promoting Emirate’s Long-Term Vision

The launch of the “Employee to Entrepreneur” program directly supports the nation’s campaign, The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World, along with Dubai’s economic agenda, D33.

The initiative aims to promote businesses of all sizes that are committed to growth. As Mr. Yousuf Behzad, Chief People and Strategic Transformation Officer of DIEZ, said: “Through this program, we aim to identify entrepreneurial talent within DIEZ’s workforce and transform their ideas into real, impactful ventures.”

Special Arrangements for Future Entrepreneurs

The program is built on the strong ecosystem of DIEZ and its world-class business support and development services. Here is what the authority has in store for candidates:

  • Amazing facilities: Employees will gain access to advanced infrastructure, customized licensing packages, business setup services, and strategic initiatives led by DIEZ.
  • Oraseya Capital: DIEZ’s dedicated investment arm that specializes in startup funding.
  • SANDBOX: Exclusive program for tech companies, designed to support the development of innovative projects and prototype testing in an innovative environment.
  • Scality: DIEZ’s solution for tech startups to scale in the region.
  • Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec): Middle East’s and north Africa’s largest technology hub and co working space.

Three-Phase Structure

Under the program, business launch will go through three main phases:

  1. Idea development phase: Analysing the target market and assessing product or service market needs.
  2. Planning and model-building phase: Developing a comprehensive business plan and identifying the resources and operational strategies.
  3. Launch and expansion phase: Connecting participants with potential investors and scaling operations.

The Launchpad for Innovative Ideas

The first edition of the program has already drawn a diverse range of innovative ideas spanning multiple industries, including technology, mobility, healthcare, design, and more. This reflects the wide array of talent and expertise within DEIZ’s working community.

The projects were evaluated based on several key criteria such as economic feasibility, scalability, growth potential, local market relevance, social impact and overall economic significance.

Wrapping up!

The new initiative by DIEZ marks an important milestone in the Emirates’ journey toward becoming the most inclusive, diverse, and business-friendly hub. As heard from the officials themselves, the program will identify bright entrepreneurial minds from within, and their ideas will help drive the national economy.

If you are also an employee working in DIEZ or its affiliated zones, and you have an idea you believe in, it is the perfect opportunity to become part of the new era of startups.

And in case you are looking for the right helping hand, Dubiz Business Setup is here to offer you the best business setup experience. We will handle your business setup in Dubai, along with major legal formalities such as trade license application, visa application, business bank account setup, tax and accounting services, etc. 

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