Volume 2 / July 2000

• Letter from the chairman
• Beqaa Graduation Ceremony
• Western Beqaa and Rachaya Graduates
• Akkar Graduation Ceremony
• Akkar Graduates
• Graduates who have received loans
• New EDF Member
• New Committees

Letter from the Chairman

The Entrepreneurial Training Foundation will complete this month its third training program. Almost 80 youth from rural areas in the Bekaa and North Lebanon have benefited from the insightful contents of the training program. Moreover, almost 20% of the participants have succeeded in submitting credible plans to start new businesses in their respective rural areas, all of which are promising and growth oriented projects.

It was very rewarding to see how the program has ignited a hidden sense of excitement within the participants. It has motivated them towards building a better future by stimulating their entrepreneurial drive to start small businesses that will benefit themselves and their communities.

I have fortunately had the chance to meet with the trainees and to detect the keenness they have to improve their living conditions. Most of them possess the energy, drive and promising ideas that make them potential successful entrepreneurs. However, they lack the right kind of counseling and an encouraging, supportive environment to materialize their ambitions.

Creating a culture that nurtures entrepreneurship can best be achieved through the creation of role models, which we hope, the successful graduates will be able to be. The obvious next step for us is - once there is a sufficient number of graduating entrepreneurs - to create an alumni association that will recognize their achievements and present them as tangible examples. This will encourage and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.

Our ultimate objective is to create a vibrant and conducive environment among our youth to challenge them to reach their full potential, and in the process, become productive citizens and help develop the economies of their regions. We are shortly going to be requesting your support in our fund raising effort for the foundation's second year of operation and hope that you will be generous for the good of our future generations.

Thank you for your continuous support.

Sincerely yours,

Nabil G. Sawabini
Chairman

Graduation Ceremonies

Beqaa Graduation Ceremony
April 2000

On the occasion of completing its first Entrepreneurial Training Program in Western Beqaa and Rashaya area, EDF conducted a small graduation ceremony in which certificates were distributed among 24 students who have successfully completed the program. The ceremony took place at the AUB farm in the Beqaa area and was attended by many of EDF's friends and supporters. The guests included; UNDP's Senior Advisor to the Resident Coordinator Mr. Christian De Clerq, CDR's Head of the Programs Division Dr. Ali Serhal, AUB's Agricultural research and Education Center (AREC) Director Dr. Mohamad Farran, professors from different educational institutes in the area, some members of EDF's Executive Committee, EDF members and staff as well as EDF trainers and trainees. The opening of the ceremony was a welcoming word by Dr. Rafic Aoun, who thanked the audience for their attendance and all those who have contributed in making EDF's program successful.

Mr. Ali Badereddine who, on behalf of all the graduates, expressed his appreciation and gratitude towards the Entrepreneurial Training Foundation's endeavor in supporting the rural youth. He said, "at a time where such social organizations are much needed in the rural areas of Lebanon, EDF has acted like a window of hope, offering technical and financial support to a generation that is moving towards an unknown future. Mr. Badereddine also thanked all the trainers, the American University of Beirut and all those who have worked hard on making this training program a success. In his word, Dr. Mohamad Farran, AUB's AREC director, emphasized the role of the American University of Beirut for being not only educational, but also an active supporter to many social organizations. He said, " today's occasion is a perfect example of this fruitful and constructive cooperation between the American University and a sample of those organizations." Dr. Farran described EDF's humanitarian mission as being a guiding light for the rural youth and that it will help alleviate hardship caused by the difficult economic situation. Finally, Dr. Farran congratulated all the trainees who have successfully completed the training program and wished them the best of luck for their future.

In his speech, the UNDP's Senior Advisor to The Resident Coordinator, Mr. Christian De Clerq emphasized on the role of youth in being the main change agent in development. " It is youth that have the potential for change and it is only youth that can bring about a successful change in the future," said De Clerq. He also praised and congratulated The Entrepreneurial Training Foundation for its efforts in addressing the problems that are facing the rural youth. De Clerq said, "The initiative of the entrepreneurial Training Foundation is a very important one, it should get the support not only of the authorities but also of all those interested in the future of Lebanon. It is only through promoting entrepreneurship and by creating independent and innovative entrepreneurs that the employment market can be expanded in a sustainable manner and the capacities of the Lebanese youth can be developed. Finally, De Clerq congratulated all the trainees who successfully completed the training program.

Mr. Nabil Sawabini, EDF's President, congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future. " I hope that you have benefited from this training program. Our main aim at EDF is to provide you with the proper entrepreneurial training along with the needed financial support. However, the future is filled with challenges, your success will depend on your ability to set challenging goals and to work hard in attaining your dreams. We merely put you on the right track, it is you who is going to continue the rest of the journey." Mr. Sawabini also urged the graduates to concentrate not only on their professional success but also on their social duties. He said, " I hope that you will set an example for others to follow by being responsible and caring citizens within your community." Finally, Mr. Sawabini thanked all those who have supported and participated in the program, especially the American University in Beirut.

After the distribution of certificates, guests, trainers and trainees gathered over a small cocktail party were they had the chance to exchange points of view and discuss the graduate's proposed business plans for the Beqaa and Rashaya area.

Twenty-two trainees from Akkar successfully completed EDF's second training program. A graduation ceremony was held for the occasion at Hotel Jannat Araka near Halba and was attended by mayors and mukhtars from the region, as well as EDF's members, Mr. Mohamad Al Safadi, Dr. Florence, Dr. Hayan Haidar and Mr. Majid Joumblat.

The opening of the ceremony was a welcoming word by Dr. Rafic Aoun, who thanked the audience for their attendance and all those who have contributed in making EDF's program successful. In his speech, Mr. Majid Joumblat, EDF's Executive Director, said that today, we are celebrating an achievement that would not have been accomplished if it were not for the commitment and generosity of EDF's contributors. He added that EDF is proud to have the support of reputable friends and successful businessmen with such strong philanthropic inclinations. He said, " Your support has enabled EDF to achieve its main goal in becoming a national, developmental organization that caters to all Lebanese youth, regardless of their gender or religion. He added that by enhancing youth's entrepreneurial skills and by financially supporting their projects, EDF would be preparing a confident and skilled generation that is ready to face challenges of the future.

Mr. Joumblat noted that the EDF is going to be very selective in the projects that are going to receive financial support. " I would like to assure you that EDF will only finance feasible and viable projects. After all, we do not want to involve our youth in projects that have no real developmental value or future." Finally, Mr. Joumblat thanked all those who have participated and worked hard for making the training program a success. In her word, Miss Suzanne Mahfoud, one of the 22 graduates, said she is very excited for having the golden opportunity of attending EDF's Training Program. " Regardless, whether we are going to benefit from the Loan Program or not, the extensive training that we underwent was in itself an enormous gain for us." She added that throughout the six days of training, the EDF provided the trainees with all the facilities needed for a convenient and productive learning atmosphere. Miss Mahfoud expressed her thanks to the Entrepreneurial Training Foundation's officials and to all the trainers who made the training program a great learning experience for all participants.

On behalf of the trainers, Dr. Chafic Benihani, Credit Specialist & Assistant Program Manager for UNIRDP - UNOPS, highlighted the importance and effectiveness of the Entrepreneurial Training Program, "it is a complete, comprehensive training package that enhances awareness and fosters entrepreneurial thinking of its participants." He added that, contemporary learning procedures, like brainstorming, group discussion and participation were an integral component of the training program. Dr. Benihani also said that, in his opinion, this training program has achieved its ultimate goal, by producing a fundamental change in the participants' awareness and perception of their abilities and the opportunities available for them. At the end of his speech, Dr. Benihani thanked the EDF for its humanitarian strife towards helping youth in building a better future.

On behalf of the EDF, Dr. Hayan Haidar, addressed the trainees and urged them not to be discouraged by the globalization process and the huge mergers that are taking place in the business world today. " You might fear that there will be no survival chances for small businesses in this trend of globalization in the world economy, but, mind you, all those big and successful businesses started out from small and viable ideas." Dr. Haidar also criticized the unbalanced socio-economic development that is taking place in Lebanon and hoped that the EDF would help in filling this gap by functioning in all regions of the country and by catering to the disadvantaged segments of society, regardless of their political or religious affiliations. Mr. Mohamad Al Safadi, Dr. Florence Eid, Dr. Hayan Haidar, and Mr. Majid Joumblat distributed certificates among the trainees who have successfully completed the training program. A small cocktail party followed the distribution of the certificates.

Graduates who have received loans

Western Beqaa - Rashaya area

Mr. Elie Anbar:
The Project: An engineering office, technically equipped to provide services for engineers and organizes computer training sessions. The project is located in Kawkaba, Hasbaya, in the south. The chosen area lacks the essential services in this field, for there are no similar offices between Masnaa to Hasbaya. Engineers need such services, for they are essential for their work in order to meet the local demands of their clients who are mainly Lebanese Emigrants and others.

Dr. Mohammed Naim:
The Project: Equipping a dentistry clinic and laboratory in Libbaya - Western Bekaa. The clinic is located in a remote area where people are in need of dental services because there are no dentistry clinics in surrounding villages. The location of this project will spare the inhabitants of the area, who have limited financial means, the transportation expenses of commuting to Beirut or Zahleh.

Mr. Ali Badr Eddine:
The project: A poultry farm that produces indigenous eggs. The idea is to provide healthy and chemically free eggs. The area utilized for the project is around 6000 square meters. The project is located in Dahr Al Ahmar - Western Bekaa, which is considered an important commercial center. It is the only project of its kind in an area where people are eager to consume fresh and natural eggs at reasonable prices.

Mr. Alam Eddine Tanouri:
The project: A computer services center that offers training sessions, typing services, programming, selling and maintenance of computers, in addition to internet network access and entertainment programs. The project is located in Dahr Al Ahmar, which is considered an important commercial center, and it is the only project in the area that offers such services for the youth of the neighboring villages.

New EDF Member

After earning her Ph.D. in Organization Economics from MIT, Florence Eid joined the Graduate School of Business and Management at AUB in February 2000.

She now teaches economics and finance to undergraduate and MBA students. Dr. Eid returned to Lebanon after 10 years in the United States, working for the World Bank and the Ford Foundation, and pursuing graduate studies at UCLA, Harvard and MIT.

Florence Eid's dissertation research analyzed Lebanon's public hospital autonomy law and has since started the effort of amending the legislation. She is a founding member of Lebanon's Entrepreneurship Center, modeled after the MIT Center for Entrepreneurship, to encourage and finance innovative business ideas with strong potential.

Florence Eid's involvement in the EDF combines her non-profit experience with foundations in the US and her interest in the economic development of Lebanon.

New Committees

During its last meeting, the EDF's Executive Board formed two committees: The Fund Raising Committee and The Credit Committee.

The Fund Raising Committee's main function is to raise sufficient funds from friends, corporations and donor agencies in order to provide sustainability for EDF programs.

Members of the Fund Raising Committee are:
Mr. Mohamad Al Safadi
Mr. Ramzi El Hafez
Mr. Goerge Frem
Mr. Salah Osseiran
Mr. Nabil Sawabini

As for The Credit Committee, it's function is to study, evaluate and select promising business plans proposed by eligible candidates who successfully complete the training program, as well as doing the necessary follow up on the consistency of the projects' execution and loan repayments.

Members of the Credit Committee are:
Dr. Florence Eid
Mr. Rami El Nemr
Mr. Majid Joumblat