American nonprofit (1951) International education Training Development assistance Programs and services to: Improve educational opportunity and quality Strengthen local institutions Develop language and professional skills for success in the global economy Offices in 12 MENA countries Committed to the economic empowerment of individuals and families, particularly those in need, in the communities where Citi Bank works so that they can improve their standard of living. Strategic giving focused on: Microfinance and Microenterprise Small and Growing Businesses Education Financial Education Asset Building Present in 10 MENA countries

AMIDEAST Egypt (AWEP year 2) Iraq Jordan (AWEP year 2) Kuwait (AWEP year 1) Lebanon (AWEP & Cisco Entrepreneur Institute) Morocco (AWEP & Cisco Entrepreneur Institute) Oman (Cisco Entrepreneur Institute) Saudi Arabia Tunisia (Cisco Entrepreneur Institute) UAE (AWEP year 1 & Cisco Entrepreneur Institute) West Bank/Gaza (Cisco Entrepreneur Institute) Yemen Citi Bank Egypt Bahrain Jordan Lebanon Morocco Qatar Tunisia UAE

Initiative focused on empowering women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge that will enable them to more fully realize their economic potential and benefit from networking and mentoring relationships that foster business success. Arab Women’s Entrepreneurship Project (AWEP)

In the Middle East and North Africa: Unemployment rates for women are markedly worse than those for men. Women’s economic participation remains under 25%—lower than in any other world region. Rising costs of living makes it more difficult for low-income households to sustain themselves. Lack of adequate regulations to support and protect women in the workforce and lingering traditional perceptions make it difficult for many to accept women as breadwinners, therefore impacting employment prospects for women.

Self employment can be an appropriate alternative It gives women control over the structure of their economic activity. Women business owners and managers tend to hire more women and provide unbiased work environment. Challenges remain Women are underrepresented as beneficiaries of enterprise development programs. Women have lesser access to financial and training services than do men.

Training focused on building entrepreneurship awareness and fundamental business skills, such as: Entrepreneurial mindset and personal development skills Formulating a business plan Customer support Sales Use of technology for business growth Financial literacy AWEP Training

15 initial days of training Two full-day follow-up meetings A series of mentorship meetings Structure

Countries and Numbers Year – participants Lebanon –19 Kuwait –17 Morocco–17 UAE – 7 Year – participants Egypt–16 Jordan –20 Lebanon –20 Morocco–18 Year 1 Results 20Grew an existing business, started or were poised to launch 14 Actively moved forward with planning, securing funding, acquiring facilities, and other preliminary steps

Financial Literacy How to prepare a feasibility study How to forecast startup and development costs How to project profit and loss How to project cash flow Basic financial ratios Basic accounting skills Taxation options and required financial reporting Accounting systems /software Accountants and auditors Funding opportunities available How to apply for funding

Lack of awareness Accountants and auditors (Lebanon) Corruption (Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon - slight decrease in Egypt) Double books (Jordan, Lebanon) Challenges Specific to Financial Reporting

Impact Practical knowledge and skills Increased self-confidence Avoid costly mistakes Inspirational and motivational Supported by mentors and a network of peers

Challenges General Work-life balance Funding Cultural issues Existing financial commitments Fear of leaving a secure job and overall fear of failure Lack of role models Lack of mentors Morocco Bank loan requirements Lebanon Political situation Egypt Marketing Egypt and Lebanon Corruption Skewed ethics Inefficient legal system

Most Important Factors for Those Who Succeeded Practical, hands-on training Personal development tactics Mentorship Family support Role models

(A few) Success Stories Sataney Hina, Jordan home-made jams and sweets Juhaina Elawar, Lebanon women’s clothing and accessories Myriam Dagher, Lebanon personal fitness Amina Majdi,, Morocco women’s cooperative

Sataney Hina Jordan– AWEP 2

Jouhaina Elawar Lebanon – AWEP 1

Myriam Dagher Lebanon – AWEP 2

Amina Majdi Morocco – AWEP 1

Conclusion and Contact info Allyson Croft Jerab Tel.:+961-(0) , ext. 234 Web: /