middle east entrepreneur training program seeks exceptional business and civil society leaders
The Beyster Institute at the University of California, San Diego’s Rady School of Management is now accepting applications from talented entrepreneurs and leaders from growth-oriented businesses and civil society organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for participation in the Middle East Entrepreneur Training (MEET) program. MEET is funded by the U.S. Department of State Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and managed by the Beyster Institute.
Since 2002, over 250 of the MENA region’s high-potential business and civil society leaders have completed the intensive MEET training program and continue to develop skills and collaborate with other graduates via the MEET Alumni Network. Through extended funding from MEPI, the Beyster Institute will offer three additional MEET programs in the MENA region in 2008: A program for CEOs and executives January 20 through 30; a program for leaders of civil society organizations March 16 through 26; and a program for entrepreneurs and managers from the business services sector May 11 through 21. Twenty outstanding candidates will be chosen to participate in each program.
MEET provides professional training, networking, and alumni support systems to increase the managerial and entrepreneurial skills of Middle Eastern and North African businesspeople and civil society leaders. The program includes presentations by prominent educators and entrepreneurs, professional coaching, and invaluable opportunities to make new contacts. Its goal is to help promising leaders realize their aspirations to build successful, growing enterprises that will contribute to economic development and community well-being in the MENA region. The participation of women is highly encouraged. Graduates of the program earn certificates from the internationally renowned Beyster Institute at one of the leading universities in the U.S.
“MEET is unique because it is based on interaction and peer-learning,” says Dr. Ray Smilor, Executive Director of the Beyster Institute. “In addition to providing excellent leadership and management training, it’s an important cultural exchange. Each group brings a new and insightful perspective.”
“The MEET program really put me on track to drive growth in my company,” says one MEET alumnus. “It’s not easy for me to take time away from my company, but this program proved to be very valuable. Each session gave me a new insight, and I now know how to translate my enthusiasm to all areas of management.”
Applicants must have 5 to 10 years of business or civil society experience and will be evaluated based on demonstrated leadership ability, community involvement and potential for expanded leadership roles. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online (http://beysterinstitute.ucsd.edu/applymeet). Applications must be received by October 5, 2007 to be considered. Some candidates will then be asked to participate in an interview. Applications will be accepted from citizens of the following countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel (limited to Israeli Arab citizens), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza and Yemen.
Although helpful, fluency in English is not required. The MEET program provides simultaneous interpretation in Arabic and French. The program includes learning materials, travel, hotel and meals. For more information, contact Mona Yousry at myousry@beysterinstitute.ucsd.edu or 858-822-6000.
The Beyster Institute serves as the key center for entrepreneurial thought and activity at the Rady School and is the only such university-based center to integrate both employee ownership and entrepreneurship. More information is available at www.beysterinstitute.ucsd.edu.
