"The World is Full of Opportunities" -Raghad, Female Entrepreneur

My name is Raghad, I studied marketing at An-Najah National University. This year I participated in TYO's Youth Entrepreneurship program. I used to volunteer with TYO and when I heard about the Youth Entrepreneurship program I decided to apply.

My team and I are working on a tourism application called "Story Out". I wanted to start a business that would allow me to focus on the tourism sector, particularly tourist monuments. I also want to promote tourism in Palestine; to make it a popular destination for international tourists. We wish to own a successful business to prove ourselves and become economically independent; a business that will give us space for creativity and to fulfill our ambitions.

Our tourism application will serve as a virtual guide, providing information for tourists during their exploration of different locations. Among other features, users will be able to engage with and ask for assistance from the virtual guide whenever they need. Through the application users will be able to create accounts and share their experiences, suggestions and information through a virtual space.

We participated in intensive training sessions at TYO covering business administration, marketing, finance and many other topics. They taught us how to manage and plan our businesses in the right way to successfully present it to the right market, and guided us to become leaders in the fields we’re working in.

TYO’s program has allowed me to build professional connections in the tourism industry, as well as in other relevant fields such as graphic design, advertising and many others. Networking is always important since it enables us to connect with others on a professional level. We also learned how to properly create a business plan.

I would say to other entrepreneurs who are afraid to start their own businesses; the world is full of opportunities, and we need new experiences and innovations. I advise you to take the first step today, and along your path you will meet many experienced people to support you. The unemployment rate in Palestine is very high. I recommend young entrepreneurs to start their own business, even with few resources. If it is successful it will develop day after day

My ambition is to be able to achieve success with my business and become well known, not just in Palestine, but also in other countries around the world. I particularly hope that it enhances the tourism sector. I also hope that after this crisis [COVID-19] ends, tourism improves and becomes even better than before. I plan to build on my entrepreneurship abilities and to prove myself in this field with additional businesses.

By Raghad- Palestinian female entrepreneur & tourism-sector business owner.