Entrepreneur online map launched

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), a non-profit organization launched today (November 18) the ‘social entrepreneur online map’in partnership with UNESCO.

The initiative’s aim is to support social businesses and the startup ecosystem, particularly those outside the capital.

Marianne Bitar Karam, Country Director at DOT, said, UNESCO provided funds of $4,400 for the project.

Seiko Sugita, Program Specialist at the UNESCO Beirut office, said: “It is a small amount because we are not a funding agency per se. We care about the knowledge sector and youth entrepreneurs, which we do through NET-MED Youth, a three-year project implemented by UNESCO.”

The aim is to map the local social entrepreneurship ecosystem in order develop the system nationwide and encourage startup businesses to have a social impact as well as making a profit.

The initiative is also in partnership with UNESCO, Berytech, Lebanese League for Women in Business, MakeSense, and Tahaki Portal.

Bitar Karam also said that DOT had signed earlier this month a project funded by UNICEF at just under $300,000. The project aims to support Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian youth in Tripoli and Bekaa to build digital entrepreneur skills.

DOT is also in negotiations with War Child Holland, an independent and impartial, international organization investing in a peaceful future for children and young people affected by armed conflict.

“Funding is in the pipeline for the project, which will allow us to work with youth in building digital skills,” Bitar Karam said.

Reported by Derek A Issacs