Aligarh: The Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship i.e. SURE, programme organized by the Department of Commerce at Aligarh Muslim University, which began on August 12, concluded with a valedictory session held at the University Polytechnic conference hall.

The 12-week workshop, organized in collaboration with the Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, manifested an MoU between Prof Asiya Chaudhary and Prof Saleha Khummawala from the University of Houston.

Addressing the valedictory programme, the chief guest, Talha Yunus Sareshwala, Financial Services and Business Development Expert, discussed the key aspects of ethical business, which include adherence to ethical values, not making false claims, practising transparency, and developing long-term financial plans.

In her presidential remarks, AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon described the SURE programme as a unique initiative, emphasizing its capacity to empower young entrepreneurs in learning and implementing strategies to expand their businesses. She urged them not to give up their passion in case of failure, as businesses require sacrifice, hard work and perseverance.

Prof Mohd Mohsin Khan, Chairperson, the SURE programme and Finance officer of AMU, said that the program aims at fostering entrepreneurship in India and aligning with government initiatives like Make in India. He highlighted its role in addressing challenges like limited business knowledge and funding.

Prof Asiya Chaudhary, Convener and Director of SURE Programme stated that the SURE programme has educated and encouraged hundreds of people and helped them create new businesses. She said that the programme has benefited both the consultants and entrepreneurs where students, who served as consultants, got a chance to implement their theoretical knowledge and sharpen their critical thinking, communication and leadership skills; and the budding entrepreneurs got a chance to collaborate with industry experts and learn new things to expand their businesses.

She announced that one of the participants has been selected for Shark Tank’s next season, 237 participants received training with soft skills, 40 participants have started their businesses and 24 entrepreneurs have been registered on the GEM, MSME, and UDHYAM portals.

The participants were given certificates while exceptional participants received prizes. The first prize went to the entrepreneur Ali Asgar Balti and his consultant Mohd Aqdas, while the second prize was received by Huma Akhtar and Ayesha Tanveer and the third prize went to Dr Deeba Abrar and Hamza Siddiqui.

Dr Mohd Saeem Khan extended the vote of thanks.