The Al Noor Association for the Blind has successfully concluded a specialized entrepreneurship training program in Oman, designed to empower visually impaired individuals with existing or aspiring business ventures. The initiative, supported by Bank Dhofar, provided 20 participants with critical skills to navigate the startup landscape and transform their ideas into viable enterprises.
A Curriculum for Real-World Impact
The intensive two-week program offered a comprehensive curriculum covering the entire lifecycle of a startup. Delivered by a select group of academics and industry specialists, the sessions focused on innovation, value creation, economic feasibility studies, marketing management, and financial administration, with dedicated financial lectures provided by experts from Bank Dhofar.
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the program included several field visits. Participants toured the Souq Al Aqr project in Nizwa to study successful small business models and also visited Riyada, Oman’s SME Development Authority, to learn about the support services and programs available to entrepreneurs. Upon completion, all participants received a certificate accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
From Passion to Profession
The program’s impact was highlighted by participants who gained practical tools to professionalize their ventures. Walaa bint Khamis Al-Sinani, founder of a perfume and incense business, described the training as a strategic step for her project.
“The program provided me with valuable, practical tools that will help me deal better with customers and understand the foundations of marketing for small projects,” she explained. “It was a real turning point, moving from working on passion alone to working on clear foundations, especially in preparing feasibility studies, managing expenses, and handling capital in a more organized way.”
For Walid bin Saleh Al-Hashimi, a wood carving artist, the program served as a foundational step into the world of business. “The course was a first step into entrepreneurship, where I gained new knowledge that I was not aware of before,” he said. Al-Hashimi noted that the program clarified crucial legal and regulatory aspects, including commercial registration, municipal procedures, and trademarking, giving him the confidence to manage his project professionally.
A Strategic Vision for Inclusion
Dr. Raed bin Abdulhafidh Al-Farsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al Noor Association for the Blind, emphasized that the program aligns with the association’s core mission to empower visually impaired individuals economically, socially, and culturally.
“This type of program is an essential step to provide members with the knowledge and skills that enhance their capabilities and open new paths for them to be active and productive members of society,” stated Dr. Al-Farsi. He added that the 20 participants were carefully selected from a larger pool of applicants based on their commitment and entrepreneurial drive, ensuring that the training was directed towards those most prepared to launch or scale their businesses.
About Al Noor Association for the Blind
Al Noor Association for the Blind is an Omani organization dedicated to the qualification, empowerment, and integration of visually impaired individuals into society. The association focuses on providing economic, social, and cultural support to help its members become active and productive contributors to the community.
Source: Oman Daily
