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�鶹ӰԺ College of Business Administration faculty member Craig Zamary served as the MVP speaker to kickoff “Startup Weekend in Cyprus,” which took place recently in Nicosia, Cyprus. The U.S. State Department, the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus commissioned Zamary, an instructor in �鶹ӰԺ State’s Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, to speak about startups, entrepreneurship, success stories, hope, overcoming obstacles and going after opportunities.

“Our faculty’s expertise is often sought by corporate, nonprofit and government partners. I am pleased that Craig was selected for this opportunity by the U.S. State Department to share his knowledge with entrepreneurs overseas,” says Deborah Spake, dean of the College of Business Administration.

Cyprus was one of the hardest-hit countries in the European financial crisis and its recession is expected to continue for a couple more years. The country hopes entrepreneurship will help lift it from the recession and high unemployment rates.

“I was humbled at the opportunity to be the featured speaker about entrepreneurship, as well as a mentor and international judge for ‘Startup Weekend in Cyprus’,” Zamary says. “It was an honor to represent the United States and spread the word about global entrepreneurship.”

As a mentor, Zamary worked with attendees to provide feedback, assistance and guidance on business pitches. Additionally, Zamary served as one of the judges of the entrepreneurship competition that wrapped up the conference.

“I think, personally, everyone who participated in the competition won,” says Zamary. “It’s the spark Cyprus needs to fire new opportunities.”

Microsoft, one of the sponsors of the event, announced that Zamary will volunteer time over the next 12 months to mentor one of the competition finalists via Skype. Other sponsors included PWC and Hellenic Bank.

“The connections, relationships and mutual respect from the weekend conference exceeded my expectations,” Zamary says. “The mood of the attendees was exceptionally positive; it was a great setting to build relationships and create opportunities between the U.S. and Cyprus.”

“The valuable help of the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia and the U.S. State Department has made this possible,” says Stavriana A. Kofteros, deputy press spokesperson for Cyprus. “We are truly honored for this collaboration, for the opportunity to make a difference in Cyprus and for Craig Zamary’s energy, spirit and vision of entrepreneurship everywhere.  He has inspired us while creating new friends and collaborators in Cyprus. This is just the beginning!”

Find more information about �鶹ӰԺ State’s College of Business Administration.