As the event gains global momentum, a number of prominent Lebanese
organizations join hands to support Global Entrepreneurship Week

For immediate release:

Beirut - Wednesday October 20th, 2010 – More than 18 prominent Lebanese organizations spanning across different entrepreneurial support sectors including academia, incubation, finance, media, NGOs and associations, joined hands in an unprecedented move to launch Global Entrepreneurship Week Lebanon 2010 and will take an active part in it.

During a press conference held at Berytech Technology & Health in Beirut, the informal partnership borne of this initiave officially announced a series of activities (more than 15) that will gather over 500 participants, aimed at sparking entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity in an unprecedented and fun way.

Through GEW 2010, Lebanon is joining 100 countries that come together every year to celebrate entrepreneurship and positively impact the entire entrepreneurial continuum, from college entrepreneurs and startups through established small businesses and large enterprises.

Maroun N. Chammas, President & CEO of Berytech shared the objectives of GEW worldwide which are to Inspire young people to embrace entrepreneurship, Connect organizations across national boundaries, Mentor by enlisting active and inspiring entrepreneurs around the world to coach and mentor the next generation of talent and Engage opinion leaders and policymakers on entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth.

“Being in a room full of like-minded peers who are as passionate as we are about entrepreneurship is very motivating. In these times of political uncertainty, we the invite media to celebrate entrepreneurship with us, to celebrate our entrepreneurs and bring about a positive national message.”

Dr. Tony Feghali, Director Entrepreneurship Initiative, Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut unveiled the GEW Lebanon 2010 official website and shared with the audience a list of exciting events planned for this November, which will incite entrepreneurs to collaborate, share, mentor, and compete with one another. “It is incredibly thrilling, Feghali said, to plan a blend of activities bringing an inspirational and fun twist to a topic we are all passionate about. I have high hopes for this month and I am confident it will positively impact the entrepreneurial space in Lebanon and send an affirmative message across borders.”

Finally Ms. Samia El-Solh, Founder of Push Magazine provided an entrepreneur’s perspective on the importance of GEW Lebanon not only by aligning the vision and efforts of all stakeholders but also by providing hands-on tools for entrepreneurs to innovate, network, grow, secure funding and become the “better entrepreneur.” “Initiatives such as the ones taking place during the coming month are an ideal place to network, commented Solh, something all businesses thrive on. In my experience, connecting with organizations and companies such as the ones here today is the most valuable way to attain a better perspective on your business strategy.”

Officially launched in 2007 in London, Global Entrepreneurship Week has witnessed a growing support from international figures such as Prime Minister Gordon Brown, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, or French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Lebanon took part in previous editions of GEW through Berytech which participated in the 2007 London launching event and organized regular GEW activities alongside Root Space the following years. However, the spontaneous gathering of such a large number of Lebanese key stakeholders in the entrepreneurship scene is indeed unprecedented.

About GEW:
With the goal to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity, Global Entrepreneurship Week will encourage youth to think big and turn their ideas into reality. From November 15-21, 2010, millions of young people around the world will join a growing movement to generate new ideas and seek better ways of doing things. Tens of thousands of activities are being planned in dozens of countries. Global Entrepreneurship Week is founded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Make Your Mark campaign. For more information, visit www.unleashingideas.org