Issue link: http://endeavor.uberflip.com/i/317370
Endeavor's goal is to transform the economy by catalyzing the entrepreneurial sector to help overturn the economic downturn, accelerate economic growth, accelerate job creation and help Lebanese entrepreneurial success stories inspire others. To better understand the challenges Lebanese entrepreneurs face, Endeavor Lebanon examined the following pillars of the entrepreneurial ecosystem: human capital, markets, finance, regulatory framework, infrastructure, culture and support systems. Endeavor Lebanon surveyed a sample of 73 entrepreneurs across a wide cross section of the ecosystem. The results clearly demonstrate the need to support the next generation of business leaders, help them overcome the challenges they face, and invest in the prosperity of future generations in Lebanon. Entrepreneurship in Lebanon is vibrant. In 2014, Diwanee (Endeavor Entrepreneurs since 2012) was the first digital Lebanese company to be acquired by a global player representing the largest online digital content acquisition in the Middle East by an international group. Through Circular 331, the Lebanese Central Bank (BDL) made available over $400 million of capital to the knowledge economy. In addition, Lebanese companies from design to technology are establishing themselves as regional and global leaders. In parallel, economic growth is slowing down in Lebanon, fewer companies are being started, and the brain drain is on the increase. These opposing trends create a unique opportunity for entrepreneurship to play a leading role in the future of Lebanon by helping reverse the economic woes of the country through long-term value creation. QUOTED "When economies turn down, entrepreneurs turn up." Linda Rottenberg, Co-founder and CEO Endeavor Global 1 Source: World Bank 2 Source: Masri Etudes et Expertises SARL GDP Growth Rate 1 53% DECREASE 2011 3% 2012 1.4% New companies registered at the Register of Commerce 2 9% DECREASE 2011 9,992 2012 9,120 13