Entrepreneurship

Following a successful entrepreneurship pilot launched in Jordan in 2011, EFE is rolling out youth entrepreneurship programs across the EFE Network.

Maghreb Startup Initiative in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia

In May 2012, EFE and its partners launched the Maghreb Startup Initiative, the first program of its kind to support entrepreneurship and innovation in the Maghreb (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco).  The Maghreb Startup Initiative runs boot camps, organizes competitions that reach the interior regions, and rewards innovative projects in each Maghreb country in the fields of biotechnology, green technology, and information and communication technology (ICT).

Bringing together incubators and business angels from across the entrepreneurship ecosystem, Maghreb Startup provides training, mentoring and cash prizes of up to $30,000 to aspiring entrepreneurs.  The competition is implemented through Partnership for a New Beginning-North African Partnership for Economic Opportunities (PNB-NAPEO) with support from local and international partners and sponsors including Abraaj Capital, Intel and Gust Angelsoft.

You can learn more about the Maghreb Startup Initiative here.

Entrepreneurship Training Program in Palestine

In 2012, Palestine EFE (PEFE) launched the Entrepreneurship Training Program, which will train approximately 100 Palestinian youth in Intel’s Technology and Entrepreneurship curriculum and support them in crafting fully developed business plans. 

At the completion of their training, participants present their business plans before a panel of judges from Palestine's business community.  Those with viable ideas for new businesses compete for over $2 million in startup support from the Rawabi Foundation and the Siraj Fund Management Company.

Youth Entrepreneurship in Jordan

Following a successful 2011 pilot, EFE’s Jordanian affiliate JCEF is providing entrepreneurship training and follow-up support to aspiring entrepreneurs.  Intel, Microsoft and local supporters provide training of trainers (ToT), entrepreneurship curricula and SME software to support youth innovation and entrepreneurship.

Click here to read about Moutasem, one of the aspiring entrepreneurs who used the skills and networks developed in the JCEF-Intel Entrepreneurship Program pilot to start a business.

Entrepreneurship Assessment Tool

EFE has been provided access to ManpowerGroup’s entrepreneurship assessment tool, which helps to identify those youth best suited to become entrepreneurs. EFE will provide entrepreneurship training and links participants to business incubation services, mentors and access to capital.