Following a mapping exercise of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon and Tunisia, ten of the most relevant and active business support organizations (BSOs) in the two countries were selected and invited to consultation sessions organized within the framework of the INVESTMED project.

 The selected BSOs discussed with the project experts the current challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the region and provided input on the key skills and needs of entrepreneurs in the sector.

 The INVESTMED consultation sessions were designed to involve and engage with the key players in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) and the Blue and Green economy.

After a first session focusing on Lebanon, BUSINSSMED, as the principal representative of the employers in the region and as the lead partner of the INVESTMED project, chaired the second session dedicated to Tunisia. The event was held on March 31 with 18 participants and 3 BSOs’ representatives. 

During the workshop, participants presented the challenges and opportunities in the Blue, Green and Cultural and creative industries (CCI). The IED Institute presented the skills and needs assessment survey while the University LUMSA presented the main guidelines, the schedule of activities and the time frame of the project.

INVESTMED is setting up a framework to strengthen Women and Youth Entrepreneurship in Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia. This framework will provide expertise, training, coaching and funding to selected start-ups and newly established MSMEs in the target countries.

A third session that will focus on the Egyptian business ecosystem actors will be organized in the coming weeks.