Jordan Times
Thursday, April 8, 2004
JUSBP helps Jordanian
women-owned business maximise their competitiveness
AMMAN (JT) — The Jordan-United States Business Partnership (JUSBP), a USAID-funded
project, held this week the first of a series of seminars and workshops aimed at
increasing the competitiveness of Jordanian women-owned businesses.
The workshop, attended by more than 100 Jordanian businesswomen and women
entrepreneurs, covered an array of topics targeted towards the enhancement and
advancement of small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Tried and tested experiences from well-established women owners were exchanged
with all those present, highlighting the fact that women-owned businesses
greatly impact, and contribute to economic growth, not just in Jordan, but in
the region as a whole.
Sharing some of her secrets and insights on how to become, and stay competitive,
was Randa Ayoubi, founder and CEO of the Jordanian software development firm,
Rubicon.
Established in 1994, Ayoubi, started her firm with very little money and two
employees. Now Rubicon has 111 employees, 70 per cent of them are women, and
exports to the US and the region.
“Put the right amount of effort in your venture and it will happen. Do
everything to the best of your ability and most importantly do not use being a
women, wife, or mother, as an excuse to not giving your venture the very best
you can, because where there's a will there's a way,” she said.
On facing business prejudice as a woman in the predominantly male-oriented IT
sector, Ayoubi added: “If I can provide a value added service, it doesn't matter
to the buyer or end use if I'm a woman or a man.”
She also stressed the importance of development agencies such as JUSBP in giving
businesses targeted technical and financial support in developing proper
business plans, business strategies and capability enhancement training.
Another JUSBP women-owned business client and Jordanian success story, was Lina
Hundaileh, CEO and owner of the sweets and chocolates firm, Today and Ammoun
Confectionery.
Hindele noted: “Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of all
businesses and staying in business longer. Women-owned businesses are
substantial and growing economic force in the global marketplace.”
On JUSBP's involvement and launch of the series of workshops, “Increasing
Competitiveness for Jordanian Women-Owned Businesses,” David Holt, JUSBP CEO and
president, said: “JUSBP is exerting great effort in promoting women and
development and will avail you with the most effective business tools.”
Also addressing the audience was Sean Jones, USAID, deputy director, Office of
Economic Opportunities, who said” “USAID sees women's integration into the
business community as a key aspect of economic development. The goal of today's
series of discussions is to give you some additional understanding of the
mechanisms that can help you succeed.”
“The workshop focused heavily on facilitating and encouraging a productive
dialogue among the participants, helping JUSBP be as responsive and proactive as
possible in addressing the needs of women entrepreneurs,” said Rachel Fedewa, an
adviser on gender-based development strategies through USAID's Emerging Markets
Development Advisers Programme. The sentiment was shared by JUSBP project
manager, Nader Nemeh, who coordinated the workshop, stating that, “The fact that
JUSBP has played a role in helping women-owned businesses generate more than $25
million in exports over the past four years, demonstrates the tremendous
potential of this group.”