ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Preston University Launched “Preston Entrepreneurial Challenge (PEC) 2015”. The basic objective of PEC 15 is to establish and promote entrepreneurial culture particularly among the youth of the country. Reputed organizations joined hands as strategic partners with Preston University. Eminent among them were the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), the Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Islamabad and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI).
At the launching ceremony of PEC 15, held on Saturday 02nd May, 2015 at Preston University, Islamabad campus, Mr. Humayun Shuja (Director Entrepreneurship Development, Preston University) gave a briefing to the media about PEC 15. Mr. Humayun stated it is the need of the hour to promote the young entrepreneurs in the country, at all levels, specially in the academia. This, he said, should be done with the aim of promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the country. Preston University took this initiative in 2013 and it successfully organized PEC 13 and PEC 14 in which the students got a chance of presenting their business ideas in front of seasoned entrepreneurs. The winners were also awarded cash prizes on the occasion. This year “PEC 15” has acquired even bigger stature as prizes worth Rs. 1.5 Million are being offered. On behalf of PEC we could proudly claim that it is the highest amount ever awarded at any Business Plan Competition within Pakistan. The objective of 3rd Annual Preston Entrepreneurial Challenge (PEC) is to motivate the young entrepreneurs in country with the vision “Sitaron se Agay Jahan Aur Bhe hain”.
Through PEC, Preston University helps Pakistan’s hardworking, innovative and exceptionally gifted young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful businesses ventures. For the attainment of this vital objective team of organizers has worked very hard. We received 105 registrations from all over Pakistan. All the business ideas floated by the young entrepreneurs are truly amazing. At this forum we would like to share with you our feelings by saying it is indeed appreciable that the Pakistani youth have tremendous talent. Undoubtedly, the country could significantly benefit by effectively utilizing this talent of the youth.
Top 35 teams were shortlisted for Grand Finale, which is planned to be held on 8th and 9th May, 2015 at the Islamabad Campus of Preston University.
Briefing media about Grand Finale, Mr. Humayun Shuja further said that the grand finale is divided in a number of sub competitions which includes Elevator Pitch, Business Plan Presentation, Launch Pad Competition, Business Quiz, Surprise activity and E-Talk. Every sub competition has evaluation criteria and top three teams, will be awarded First, Second and Third positions. The event will conclude with a closing ceremony. On this occasion the winners will be awarded cash prizes.
The two day event is expected to be attended by top Corporate Officials, Academia, Chamber Officials, Entrepreneurs, Practitioners and students.