ICC Center of Entrepreneurship
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) have launched the ICC-ESCWA Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) to inspire entrepreneurial innovation and improve the business environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Arab region.
Based in Beirut, the Centre will work with various stakeholders, including businesses, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, intergovernmental and governmental agencies, to connect local entrepreneurs to global markets, enhance SMEs chances to thrive and ensure the adequate regulatory guidance. From developing the skills of young people who face uncertain employment prospects to mentoring local start-ups and entrepreneurs, the ICC-ESCWA Centre of Entrepreneurship is devoted to improving the livelihoods of citizens in Lebanon and the rest of the region.
The Centre will serve as a platform to scale globally the most successful local and regional entrepreneurial initiatives driven by Chambers of Commerce and innovative partners. Leveraging digital connectivity, the Centre will pair entrepreneurs with experts from the United Nations and ICC’s global network to provide virtual mentoring and coaching. The Centre will also draw upon the strength of Chambers of Commerce in over 100 countries, ICC’s Knowledge Solutions Department, and ESCWA’s Knowledge Hubs.
The ICC/UNESCWA Centre of Entrepreneurship – Beirut Hub is also devoted to developing the skills of young people who face uncertain employment prospects and to mentoring local start-ups and entrepreneurs.
In addition to ICC and ESCWA, the Centre will be supported through partnerships with local, regional and international actors, including Berytech, Beirut’s ecosystem for entrepreneurs; Facebook, the social media platform; Mind the Bridge, the global innovation advisory firm; and Pearson, the world’s learning company. These partnerships will strengthen the Centre’s mission and purpose, as well as strengthen public-private initiatives to rebuild Beirut, digitize SMEs, improve livelihoods, and create new economic opportunities for those living in the Arab region.