Launched in 2011, the Arab Women’s Entrepreneurship Project (AWEP) is helping women to overcome barriers to their participation in the regional economy by providing access to training, mentorship, and other forms of support that enhance the chances that their project or startup will succeed. Applications for Lebanon and Morocco are open until November 11, 2013.

During a three-week training program, participants are introduced to the basic business skills required to succeed as an entrepreneur. Topics covered include the fundamentals of customer service, sales, accounting for small businesses, risk and feasibility assessment, strategic planning, and local requirements for registering and operating a business. Participants also make site visits to selected small businesses started and run by women, and they develop a business plan.

The program concludes with a period of practical application lasting up to six months, during which participants begin to implement their business plans, drawing on the support of mentors, trainers, and fellow participants during periodic meetings to review progress and share success stories.

To learn more about the program, check out the AMIDEAST website here.