At the Syria Pioneers Forum, Ms. Alaa Alazem delivered a keynote address highlighting the role of the organizing company and the significance of the study being conducted in partnership with the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and the Sanad Fund for MSME. The study aims to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Syria and strengthen access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The keynote was followed by a series of focused discussion sessions, where participants were divided into roundtables to exchange views on financing, its challenges, bottlenecks, and the opportunities it can create for startups and SMEs. Each table was led by a facilitator and supported by a rapporteur, ensuring that the discussions remained structured, constructive, and well documented.
These sessions demonstrated that open and well-guided dialogue between entrepreneurs, companies, and experts can serve as a practical tool for identifying clearer pathways toward sustainable financing and stronger partnerships.
As part of the forum, participants also listened to a recorded address by entrepreneur Mr. Eyad Al-Nesrawi, who brings more than ten years of experience in founding and managing technology startups across the Middle East and Europe. In his remarks, he reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing startups in their early stages, stressing that access to finance remains one of the most significant obstacles for founders.
Mr. Al-Nesrawi emphasized that entrepreneurial success depends on a clear vision, the ability to build strong teams, sound financial planning, and effective engagement with investors and strategic partners. He also noted that investors are drawn to practical and scalable ideas, and that resilience and boldness are essential qualities for entrepreneurs seeking growth.
One of the forum’s key highlights was the panel discussion on access to finance, which brought together leading voices from across the entrepreneurial and financial sectors. Moderated by Ms. Alaa Alazem, CEO of Hermon Team Global Consulting, the panel featured distinguished speakers including Ms. Christel Bultman, CEO of Stichting SPARK; Mr. Muneer Haroun, CEO of BEMO Saudi Fransi for Microfinance; Mr. Laith Rikabi, Deputy General Manager of Fransabank Syria; and entrepreneur and investor Mr. Talal Alkhiamy.
The discussion explored a number of critical themes, including the need for more flexible financial instruments that respond to market realities, the importance of strategic partnerships between the private sector, banks, and international organizations, and the role of transparency and sound financial planning in building investor confidence in startups. Speakers emphasized that access to finance should not be seen as an end in itself, but as a means to help businesses grow, create jobs, and generate sustainable economic impact.
With the conclusion of the panel, the Academy’s journey for this year came to a close. What began at the start of the year as an initiative to empower and equip young entrepreneurs culminated in a national forum that brought together companies, investors, and experts on one platform, opening new doors for financing opportunities and future partnerships.
