Program Summary

Under a new partnership with Cisco Systems, Inc., AMIDEAST training centers in five countries — Lebanon, Oman, Morocco, Tunisia, and the West Bank — offer the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute’s cutting-edge entrepreneurship training curriculum to aspiring entrepreneurs. Supported by an open source, web, and media-enabled platform the training enables participants to network with fellow entrepreneurs locally, regionally and globally.

The Cisco Entrepreneur Institute training centers offer workshops on how to start, grow, and IT-enable a business. During in-class workshop sessions, local business leaders share practical advice and create valuable networking opportunities. The addition of online workshop materials, multiple rich media resources, web-based simulations, and printed participant guides results in a unique and effective mix of tools to empower entrepreneurs. Participants in Institute workshops receive continuous support and stay connected through an ongoing series of activities, including power breakfasts, networking tools and events, and a mentorship program.

The workshop curriculum is made up of media-rich, business-relevant content from a variety of sources including leading U.S. business schools at Cornell and Stanford Universities and My Own Business, Inc. 

Main Goals

The mission of the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute is to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit, increase jobs, and help develop and sustain economic growth throughout the world. It provides:

• Entrepreneur-specific business knowledge
• A resource center where entrepreneurs can find sound business advice, mentoring, and services
• Internet business solutions for enterprises
• A technology-enabled human network

Highlights

Workshop topics include the following:

• Starting a Business
• Growing a Business
• iExec Enterprise Essentials
• iExec Public Sector Essentials
• Computer Literacy
• Career Essentials
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Smart Technology for a Smarter Business
• GoVenture Educational Games and Simulations

Project Activities and Results

• Participants give high marks to the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute workshops for exposing them to important issues they would not otherwise have considered; providing and identifying networking opportunities; and presenting a combination of in-class sessions, online workshop materials, and participant guide.
• Access to mentoring has been an ingredient of success for some participants. A variety of ongoing activities is another way the Institutes reach out to advance entrepreneurship in the region.
• All participants are receiving continuous support from the local institute program manager, facilitators, and guest speakers who provide advice, helpful introductions, links, and other support.

Please select a country for more information on how to apply.

Lebanon Oman Tunisia West Bank