The Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre, affiliated with the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, held the first session of the “Business Clinic” initiative, which operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in coordination with the ministries of Finance, Investment and Foreign Trade, and Industry. The initiative is part of broader efforts to support Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and strengthen the business environment for start-ups, in line with the agreement reached during the consultative meeting organised by the Ministry of Planning last month to activate the Start-up Charter. The meeting was attended by Sherif Abdel Hamid, Adviser to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development; Heba Zaki, Director of the Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre; and representatives of the Egyptian Tax Authority, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), and the Industrial Development Authority. In this context, Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, stressed that the launch of the “Business Clinic” reflects the ministry’s commitment to providing effective and direct communication channels between start-ups and government entities, helping to address challenges more quickly and facilitating procedures that support business growth. Rostom explained that the ministry attaches particular importance to supporting start-ups, given their role as key drivers of economic growth and job creation. For her part, Heba Zaki noted that the “Business Clinic” serves as an interactive platform enabling entrepreneurs to present the challenges they face directly and obtain the support and guidance they need from the relevant authorities. She added that these meetings will be held regularly to discuss operational and regulatory challenges and to develop practical solutions in coordination with the concerned entities. This, she said, will help strengthen the investment and innovation climate and support the state’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy driven by entrepreneurship. The meeting saw broad participation from start-up founders and entrepreneurs, who raised a number of enquiries and challenges related to incorporation procedures, licensing requirements, tax issues, and business expansion. Representatives of the participating government entities engaged with these enquiries, providing clarifications and guidance, while directing business owners to the relevant authorities and available support mechanisms. This is expected to accelerate procedures and enhance opportunities for the growth and sustainability of their businesses. The launch of the “Business Clinic” forms part of a broader package of initiatives and programmes implemented by the Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre to empower entrepreneurs, enhance the competitiveness of start-ups, and create a supportive environment for innovation and investment, in line with Egypt Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.The post Planning Ministry holds first session of ‘Business Clinic’ to support start-ups, address operational challenges first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.
