Topic: "Small Business – Big Opportunities"
Date: April 10, 2026
Supervising Teacher: Zamanova Saule Kanabekovna
Conducted by: Myrzakhanov Meiirzhan and Mamazhanov Daulet (“Information Security Audit” 1st-year Master's students, 91传媒 Kazakh National University)
Participating Groups: "Information Security Systems" 23-02 (3rd year) and "Cryptology" 25-01 (1st year)
Objectives:
The primary objective of the master class was to introduce students to the concept of small business as a vital component of the modern economy and to foster entrepreneurial thinking among future information security professionals. An additional goal was to demonstrate how technical expertise in cybersecurity and IT audit can be leveraged to establish and grow a competitive business in today's digital landscape.
Event Overview:
The master class opened with an introductory presentation by Myrzakhanov Meirzhan, who provided an overview of the small business sector in Kazakhstan. Key statistics were cited regarding the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to GDP, employment generation, and innovation in the country. The presenters highlighted the growing demand for information security specialists in the private sector and explored the potential for graduates to establish their own companies in this rapidly expanding field.
In the main section, Mamazhanov Daulet guided participants through real-world business case studies. Students learned about the step-by-step process of bringing a business idea to life: defining the concept, conducting market research, drafting a business plan, identifying funding sources, and completing the legal registration process. Particular focus was placed on government support programs available in Kazakhstan — including 'Bastau Biznes', 'Enbek', and grant instruments offered by the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund.
A group activity formed the interactive centrepiece of the session. Students were divided into small teams and tasked with developing and presenting a business idea relevant to their field — such as an information security consulting firm, a cybersecurity audit service, or an IT security product. Each team outlined their target market, competitive advantages, projected revenue model, and key risks. The presenters provided constructive, detailed feedback on each proposal, encouraging critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
An open Q&A session followed, during which students raised questions about managing business risks, raising startup capital, selecting an appropriate tax regime, and balancing employment with entrepreneurial pursuits. Meirzhan and Daulet responded thoroughly to each question and shared their own perspectives on entrepreneurship, including their personal plans to explore business opportunities in the information security sector.
Closing Segment:
The master class concluded with a structured reflection exercise. Students answered two written prompts: 'What is the most valuable thing I learned today?' and 'Do I have an idea for my own business?' The responses revealed a strong level of engagement: the majority of participants expressed genuine interest in entrepreneurship and a desire to apply the knowledge gained. Several students articulated specific business concepts within the information security space they wished to pursue. The presenters distributed a curated list of recommended resources, including professional literature, online courses, and government portals designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
Outcomes:
• Students gained a structured understanding of small business fundamentals and the stages of launching a venture;
• Awareness of the connection between information security expertise and entrepreneurial opportunity was strengthened;
• Teamwork and public presentation skills were practised in a professional setting;
• Participants became familiar with state support mechanisms for entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan;
• Overall motivation and professional initiative among students were notably elevated.
In conclusion, the master class fully achieved its stated objectives. Myrzakhanov Meirzhan and Mamazhanov Daulet successfully conveyed that small business is not merely a financial endeavour, but a meaningful opportunity for professional self-realisation — particularly for specialists in information security audit whose skills are in high demand. It is planned to continue organising practice-oriented events of this kind as part of the Master's students' pedagogical internship programme.
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