Promoting future entrepreneurs

Combating the reasons for migration by promoting entrepreneurs in Lebanese refugee camps – bayerische Wirtschaft is part of the action.

In Lebanon, bfz is jointly involved in projects for combating the reasons for migration with their partner organisation Right to Play.

The direct target group of the projects represents groups of persons providing entrepreneurship advice but who do not belong to a government organisation, for instance company associations, professional associations as well as consulting agencies. These specially trained persons who, for their part, impart knowledge to other persons, are trained as multipliers in workshops run by German bfz experts. They will also pass on their newly acquired knowledge as trainers in schools and organisations.

The project is indirectly aimed at refugees, including those from Syria, as well as interested parties of disadvantaged Lebanese , who wish to start their own trade business or service company.

Lack of future prospects

Many young people in Lebanon, both natives and refugees, lack future prospects. They cannot find work, having had to abandon their training, or could not even begin such training. Many of them have been living socially uprooted in makeshift refugees camps or in difficult living conditions for many years. The BEAT (Bavarian Entrepreneurship and Advanced Training) programme enables this target group to start their own business and receive the necessary retraining for economically sustainable success.

A “new” middle class is formed

The project provides a tangible contribution to local employment and hence towards stabilising the current situation in Lebanon. Specialist groups are founded, who manage micro-credit funds, this forming the basis for professional associations and company associations and laying the cornerstone for a future middle class, who can represent its interests before politics and authorities.

By incorporating the expertise of Bavarian entrepreneurs here, this contributes key specialist knowledge while building a bridge for future foreign business relations to Lebanon and Syria; especially in sectors that are important for rebuilding infrastructure.

The project’s three pillars:

1. Training local entrepreneurship advisors by German experts. BEAT employs three select business founders in the target regions, who work as entrepreneurship advisors locally among partners.

2. Bavarian entrepreneurs provide their personal expertise locally in the form of consulting workshops. Direct contacts promote business relations to Lebanon and Syria.

3. Advice for potential entrepreneurs. A micro-fund supports helps suitable participants to found their own company.

The target groups of the partners organisation Right to Play are young persons in general, who are taught skills and values essential to life in a playful manner. Right to Play can draw on an extensive network of schools, sports associations, non-governmental organisations and associations locally.

Funding: