Muhammad Hussain Amin, a PUAN alumnus of the English Access Microscholarship Program (2012–2014) and the SUSI Student Leaders Program (2018), is one of the five recipients of the PUAN Connects Grant. Through his project “Bridging Young Entrepreneurs with Industry Leaders”, he brought together youth-led startups and the Mansehra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) to foster mentorship, business development, and access to markets in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He recently carried out a thematic workshop and information session under his grant at Mansehra, engaging 29 young participants in meaningful dialogue and capacity-building sessions. The event aimed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with practical knowledge of the startup ecosystem and available institutional support.
The first session, Navigating Capital and the Startup Ecosystem, was led by Najam us Sahar Durrani, Program Manager at Tech Valley Pakistan and alumna of the U.S. Professional Fellows Program (2021) and Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (2024). She shared key insights on types of startup capital, investor readiness, and incubation opportunities in Pakistan. Najam also introduced the upcoming Professional Fellows Exchange Program hosted by the University of Oklahoma, encouraging participants to explore international platforms for entrepreneurial growth.
The second session featured Engr. Syed Mumtaz Shah, President of MCCI, who offered a practical overview of the chamber’s role in supporting new businesses. He highlighted upcoming skill development programs, explained the process of business registration, and discussed the benefits of MCCI membership.
The sessions not only increased participants’ understanding of startup financing and ecosystem dynamics but also strengthened ties between exchange alumni and local business institutions. Several attendees expressed interest in applying for the Professional Fellows Program and joining MCCI to further their entrepreneurial goals. The workshop fostered a spirit of collaboration and confidence among emerging entrepreneurs in Mansehra.
“As a young entrepreneur navigating the early stages of my startup journey, this workshop was incredibly insightful. Learning directly from experts about investor readiness and startup capital helped me understand where I need to focus next. The session with MCCI opened my eyes to the institutional support available right here in Mansehra. I left the event more confident and connected,” said Junaid Nawaz, an Access alumnus.
