Project Details

  The project seeks to promote entrepreneurial skills and values amongst Palestinian women in Nablus.  Specifically, this project will support 10 to 15 women and young women who already own or have a desire to own a business, or want to create a new product/service role but lack an opportunity for professional development.  The goals of the project will be to drive long term business development and growth and provide practical and alternative activities for women to boost confidence and cultivate creativity in the community.  The program will run for 3 months with 2 small groups of women meeting 2-3 days per week, for 3 hours at a time.  The program consists of a series of workshops and tutorials that teach specific entrepreneurial skills and have the students identify specific business goals.  All facets of the program will incorporate practical activities to boost motivation, encourage participation, develop soft skills and increase self-esteem.  The program will be carried out by local aid organization Project Hope.  The $320 called for by the project will go toward buying print materials participants will receive during the program and toward administrative costs.   The program will begin within 2 months of this project being fully funded.    The objectives for the participants of this project are to: ·         Understand the concept of entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity recognition. ·         Learn about the support mechanisms and systems available for business owners in Palestine. ·         Learn the process of creating and assessing viable entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities step by step. ·         Understand personal suitability and skill gaps for small business management ·         Attain the skills through a practical approach to start and manage a small to medium enterprise. ·         Appreciate and get tools, tips and skills to develop the basics of a feasibility plan, business plan, marketing plan and strategic plan. ·         Understand the success factors from a financial perspective and learn basic management tools. ·         Have fun learning new skills and creating new ideas with a group of women.  Entrepreneurship is vital all over the world and it is critical for economic development yet there are not enough practical tools to enable positive attitudes, skills development and business growth, in every corner of the globe. More so in the West Bank with the conflict that people endure as part of everyday life it is understandable the entrepreneurship is disregarded. However this project argues that entrepreneurship is a life skill that will not only bring economic and societal benefits but it will also nurture creativity, a positive world view, self-esteem and renewed confidence to individuals engaging in enterprising activities in everyday life.