Nablus Women Entrepreneurs
One of the Foundation's first programmes, Nablus Women Entrepreneurs supported women in Palestine from 2009-2011.
Women-owned enterprises represent a very small number of total enterprises in Palestine; they tend to be small-scale and are often home-based. The main constraints facing female entrepreneurs in Palestine are access to capital and markets and deeply embedded cultural attitudes which make it difficult for women to start or grow a business enterprise.
In partnership with Tomorrow’s Youth Organization (TYO), the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women implemented a project in Nablus which ran from December 2009 to February 2011. The aim of the project was to support a group of women entrepreneurs to develop innovative and successful businesses based on their individual skills, education and goals.
The project supported a total of 24 craftswomen and university graduates to develop sustainable businesses by providing support with product development, training in key business skills and access to networks. Women were supported to set up a range of businesses, including a socially responsible paper recycling initiative, a coffee roasting venture and a sheep farm.
The project also provided further tailored support to those women entrepreneurs seeking to scale up their businesses and develop their marketing, financing and networking opportunities. The project combined its efforts with TYO Lebanon in order to create a wider network for women entrepreneurs across the Middle East, helping to create a more secure future for countless families.
On the first day of the training I felt confused. I was worried about whether I would succeed or not. After the training, I feel now that I’m capable of starting my business and am confident about my abilities to succeed.
Our partners:
Nablus Women Entrepreneurs was delivered in partnership with Tomorrow's Youth Organisation.
