LAHORE: The University of Home Economics (UHE) on Thursday inaugurated a business incubation centre to facilitate fresh graduates and entrepreneurs.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) had provided Rs3.3m funding for construction of the building.

The foundation laying ceremony was attended by Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfraz, FPCCI Chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen.

Ms Ameen spoke about objectives of the incubator, saying it would have the capacity to support a group of students for their startups and they would be provided with training to establish new businesses.

She explained that the young entrepreneurs would not only be provided with financial support but they would also benefit from the supervision and guidance of experts from industry in their fields.

She said the UHE was encouraging its students for entrepreneurship in order to get financial liberation.

The minister for higher education said education should not be confined to getting white collar jobs and to get into public offices and there was dire need to empower the educated youth through entrepreneurship.

FPCCI Chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said the business community should come forward to pay back society where it was making wealth.

He announced initial financial assistance and funding for such students as would execute their business ideas.

While briefing the guests, Syed Muhammad Waqas, director Planning & Development, said the construction of the centre building would be completed within three months.

The foundation laying ceremony was also attended by Dr Bushra Mirza, LCWU VC, President Alumnae Association Dr Rafia Tahir, Dr Durdana Malik, Registrar Shujaat Munif Qureshi, Syed Mohib Shamsi, Muhammad Kashif, Dr Wahab Ali, Ahmed Faraz, faculty members and officers.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2023