Orange Jordan holds webinar on startups opportunities during coronavirus

​Through its Business Innovation Growth platform (BIG), Orange Jordan held an interactive webinar titled "Corona crisis impact on economy: an opportunity or a challenge for startups, small businesses, and medium-sized enterprises." The Former Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Eng. Maha Al Ali, the President of the Economic and Social Council, Dr. Mustafa Hamarneh, and the Head of GSMA for MENA region  Eng. Jawad Abbassi participated in the session moderated by the CEO of the Information Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j), Eng. Nidal Bitar, in the presence of Orange Jordan's PR, CSR, and Corporate Communication Director, Eng. Rana AlDababneh. This session is part of a series of webinars organized by Orange Jordan during the pandemic via Zoom App and broadcasted live on BIG by Orange page on Facebook, to support startups and offer them an opportunity to benefit directly from experts in this field while maintaining the safety of everyone by adhering to safety measures to combat the virus, in line with the changes imposed by this crisis. Al Ali said that the crisis' economic impacts, the relief from which is expected by the end of the year or so, requires supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve sustainability as they represent 95% of the Kingdom's companies. She stressed on the need to set strategic plans, change work methods, and pay attention to the importance of digital solutions to deal with the "new normal" after COVID-19.  Hamarneh pointed out that the challenges can be turned into opportunities by reconsidering the traditional economic patterns, and the synergy of all parties to overcome the biggest challenge; unemployment. He pointed out that   conducting an integrated analysis is needed to enhance companies' opportunities, focus on new markets and activate the funds aimed at managing small companies to ensure their effectiveness.  As for Abbasi, he called on companies to evaluate their current needs before requesting loans to ensure their feasibility and long-term contribution to empowering businesses and achieving more growth. He added  that Jordanian youth's opportunities lay in the fields of content creation and digital services.  Bitar stressed on the importance of holding realistic discussion regarding the economic situation, in light of the Kingdom's recovery phase. He pointed out that many companies may benefit from the pandemic by changing their business models, as some of them, for example, adopted e-commerce solutions instead of their main work. Orange Jordan affirmed its commitment to provide startups with information and expertise by hosting renowned experts in the entrepreneurship field. The company said that this pandemic was accompanied not only by challenges but also opportunities, especially for businesses that rely on digital solutions such as services projects, requiring taking the necessary steps to develop and strengthen their growth and ensure their readiness for upcoming changes.   -END-