The project offered a comprehensive training course for potential young university students or graduates to gain the skill of and best practices for advising and supporting future entrepreneurs and further promoting the MEDSt@rts project.

The initial Call for Applications was announced in February 2021 through multiple platforms. The general objective of this call was to identify dedicated university students or graduates to join the training and become microfinance promoters.

Fourteen applicants who met the selection criteria have enrolled in the training that was held for 20 days from end of April till mid of May. The analyzed results of pre and post test showed an increase in the knowledge of participants at different significant levels.

After completing the training , the results of the evaluation reflected the satisfaction of the trained promoters. Out of 7 participants who get the highest scores, two promoters will be hired to provide a guidance service for young entrepreneurs and enabling them benefit from the finance opportunities in Lebanon and MENA.

Listed below are evaluation comments quoted by participants:

1- Rasha: I have learned to help, manage and guide SME's and how to select and follow up with start ups. I have learned in the details and procedures and how to help them get loans, grants or funds, I have learned how to improve my business skills and new perspective toward things and to push my ambition to new business.

2-Reem: I learned to be positive, think in my mind not with my heart, how to make a pitch, transfer ideas into businesses or projects, thinking twice before applying any business.

3- Mohamad: I learned that Lebanon can lead in SME's and entrepreneurship and to gain the opportunity to get loans, grants or micro finance services. I have learned new perspectives of analyzing and identifying entrepreneurs, read and figure out the start up proposals if it wreath financing or guidance before persuading an investment.

4- Ahmad: I learned about the banking sector, the investment process, the business process and marketing, to be motivated and have new ideas.