Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they wanted to build an entrepreneurial university while establishing TOBB ETU and emphasized entrepreneurship is the way to prosper. Stating that the wealth of the country depends on entrepreneurship, TOBB President and TOBB ETU Board of Trustees Chairman M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said “We want to encourage our students in terms of entrepreneurship.” Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, in addition to promotion entrepreneurship, they aim to raise entrepreneur-friendly bureaucrats and people who will extend horizons and vision for entrepreneurs.

Stating that 800 students who graduated from TOBB ETU started their own business, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that 83 of them were start-ups. Hisarcıklıoğlu advised the students to think about how to become an entrepreneur while they were studying, and explained the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur: “Imagine first. Everything starts with imagination. Don't limit yourself here. Then choose a destination for yourself from this imagination. Work hard to accomplish them. You cannot reach any goal without working hard. There is very little capital required to become an entrepreneur as long as you have a good idea.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that expenses should not exceed revenues when they are entrepreneurs and they should work with smart people and give importance to teamwork through smart partnerships.

M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu shared the principles of business life with students. Savings are what will net profit; the trick is honesty; check first, trust afterwards; trusting memory is always wrong; there can be no covering for work.”