Pioneering Lebanese women entrepreneurs despite the absence of government support

Al Hayat newspaper published a report yesterday regarding the difficulties that business pionering face in Lebanon and which rely entirely on individual initiatives without any significant support from governmental schemes.  The report points out to the experiences of Lebanese women who believe in pioneering and self-development in business and in other sectors.  The newspaper notes that in the past few years, Lebanon witnessed the development of f women entrepreneurship thanks to the support of local associations, international organisations and even private banks all aiming to raise women’s contribution to the economy.  The newspaper adds however that such support did not fully abolish obstacles facing women entrepreneurs but contributed to challenging common stereotypes that women are unsuccessful in the business world.  

Al Hayat shared the experience of Sahar who started as a small beekeeper and sold honey as a small business.  She then attended workshops about business entrepreneurship and was able to expand her business by about 60% through a bank loan she acquired.  Christine Salahab was making chocolate for a local factory wanted to have her own workshop to manufacture chocolates and accessories.  She also acquired a bank loan as well as training on how to manage and schedule her repayments.  As for Carla Mokhaiber, she used to cook food and post it on her facebook.  Through a bank loan, she was able to expand into a full fledged catering business and is securing a high income that will allow her to further expand her business. For more information, please check the following link: http://www.alhayat.com/Articles/6445166

 

(Source: Al- Hayat 25 December, 2014)