KARACHI: The US Consulate Karachi in collaboration with local partners celebrated Global Entrepreneur-ship Week (November 14-20, 2022) to promote the advancement of the Pakistani entrepreneurial ecosystem by convening various programs with entrepreneurs, startups, incubation centers, industry leaders, academia, youth, and journalists.   

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and encouraging new opportunities for investment, partnership, and collaboration to boost economies and address some of the world’s most pressing economic challenges. U.S. Mission Pakistan sponsored the Silicon Valley trainer and a professional speaker Oscar Garcia, founder and chief empowerment officer at Aspira, to join the celebrations in Karachi and Islamabad. He gave several interactive motivational sessions on pitching, professional branding, and career development during his time in Karachi.

Oscar Garcia spoke on, ‘The Art of Taking Risks and Building Resilience’ at National Incubation Center Karachi (NICK) at NED University where the packed room learned about the vision and patience it takes for businesses to succeed. He led a roundtable discussion with U.S. Consulate Karachi officials, entrepreneurs, startups, and business journalists about the ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”. To close a week of events, he gave an interactive talk about ‘Sustainability in Start-Up Culture’ with the aspiring Pakistani entrepreneurs at Lincoln Corner Karachi where The Startup Lab is located. The Startup Lab is a one-of-a-kind space in Pakistan where any aspiring entrepreneur can turn their business idea into a reality using the latest technology and equipment for free.   

Other events this week included an Access English Micro scholarship program event at Lincoln Corner Pakistan American Cultural Center where more than 200 students listened to alumni and U.S. Consulate Karachi’s Information Officer, Krista Bustamante talk about entrepreneurship, the importance of hard work, finding a mentor, and building resilience.—PR