Nur Amer, a recent mass communication graduate from American University of Sharjah (AUS), was declared one of the top three finalists of The Big Start 2012, a UAE-based student entrepreneurship competition that allows students to turn their business ideas into reality. This annual competition sponsored by Al Tamimi Investments had students undergo nine months of practical business skills training to get their business ideas fit for funding. The competition aims to cultivate, inspire and reward young people's interest in entrepreneurship within the UAE.

The AUS Student Leadership Program announced the competition to students earlier this year and encouraged them to take part in it. From 38 universities across the UAE, AUS placed first as the best performing university by number of submissions and third in terms of the number of students who registered. AUS was acknowledged during the closing ceremony of The Big Start competition on June 26, 2012. 

"The Big Start has helped me put a dream of mine into focus and has allowed me to explore my options. I might not have won, but I now know all the right questions to ask, how to criticize my own ideas and my own work and that anything can be achieved if I put my mind to it. The journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. I am now equipped with all the right resources and I'm not afraid to take that further," said Amer. 

"Today many students dream of owning their own business. Being an entrepreneur isn't just about taking the risk but it is about believing in your idea and pushing it forward to make it a reality. Mapping your way and understanding the challenges ahead are crucial to any successful venture. Congratulations to Nur and we wish her luck in setting up her business," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.