SME Beyond Borders 2016 brings together 32 global speakers from around the world to create value for business owners and help pave the way for a sustainable future

With the eyes of the world on the UAE, the country is taking critical steps to advance entrepreneurship and innovation--complementing the overall vision of the nation’s leaders. Dubai’s 2021 vision and Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision are a reflection of the government’s commitment to fuel sustainability, smart technology and women empowerment.

To build on these efforts and highlight the powerful record of progress made over the last year, SME Beyond Borders Dubai, biggest-ever regional event dedicated to the thriving SME sector,  will bring together entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors in a large-scale gathering on October 27, 2016 in Atlantis Hotel, the Palm.

Powered by Presenting Partner NBAD and organised by CPI Business, the SME Beyond Borders Series is an annual event that has grown to include more than 7000 registrations, 4000 attendees and 150 renowned speakers. While the past sessions have tackled the issues of access to finance, business growth and leadership, this year’s agenda will promote entrepreneurship for all – including women, youth and social enterprises. The event programme unveils three ground-breaking panel discussions –

• On the money: the first-ever panel to feature the region’s top five VCs and investors, who will answer some hard-hitting questions about SME finance.
• Prescription for growth: experts will urge business owners to rethink health and wellbeing in the workplace.
• Local origins, global ambitions: unveiling companies that are set to make history and become trailblazers of the future.

Speaking to the media ahead of the event, Peter Voogd, self-made entrepreneur, business leader and author of the bestselling book ‘6 Months to 6 figures,' said: "The point is, we've had enough of all this theory - now is the time for Action. It's only with Action that we're going to achieve our goals."

Walid Mansour, Managing Partner, Middle East Venture Partners, said: "Venture capital is a key enabler for SMEs creation and scaling, and a leeway for innovation in any modern economy. VC-backed start-ups become a magnet for talent development, innovation and wealth creation: their entrepreneurial spirit will contagiously spread new values in society."

Meanwhile, Gina Larsen, Co-Founder and COO, CPI Business, remarked: “In a country that sees an average of three events a day, there is a need for us, as content curators, to create a relevant offering for SMEs. That’s exactly why every year we have continually raised the bar, set new benchmarks of excellence and exceeded all forecasts. This year we are upping the ante by bringing on board prominent institutions as partners. National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), for instance, are spearheading this conference for the third consecutive year – and it is fabulous to have their support. SME Beyond Borders 2016 has the government’s mandate at its heart and each session links back to an important aspect of the country’s ambitious vision for growth and excellence.”

This year’s event is structured across three sessions that each tackle a different aspect of the SME experience –

• Meet the transformers: connecting stories of entrepreneurs that are making a definite difference.
• The inclusive agenda: literal to its name, this is a woman-led session that talks about educating, empowering and inspiring women in leadership.
• Disrupting monotony: unveiling companies that are going against the norm – challenging international standards, rethinking success and redefining use of technology.

SME Beyond Borders 2016 is supported by Presenting Partner NBAD, Strategic SME Partner Etisalat, Property Partner of Choice Dubai Properties, Health and Wellness Partner BUPA, Freezone Partner Dubai South, Airline Partner Etihad Airways, Cloud Partner Alibaba Cloud, Corporate Governance Partner Hawkamah, Financial Advisory Partner Credence International, Serviced Office Partner One Business Centre DMCC, Legal Partner Clip, Hospitality Partner Media Rotana, Support Partner Lions Metal, Support Partner WOMENA, Media Partner Wamda and Broadcast Partner CNBC Arabia.

To register for the conference and get more information, please visit: http://smebeyondborders.com/workinprogress/.