Sohag – Hundreds of entrepreneurs gathered today in Sohag to participate in a summit hosted by Markade LLC, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.  Through workshops, panel discussions, and success stories from the local community, the event raised awareness on entrepreneurship and built the capacity of Sohag’s youth to be successful entrepreneurs.

“USAID believes in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and create jobs,” said Jacinto Fabiosa from USAID.  “We’ve watched thousands of aspiring Egyptian entrepreneurs turn their ideas into action and look forward to assisting thousands more.”

This event in Sohag is the second of three events in Upper Egypt to link potential entrepreneurs with investors and mentors.  As with events in Assiut and Aswan, the event brings together local youth to learn about the business development services, market information, and linkage opportunities available in Egypt’s entrepreneur network. 

The events are part of USAID’s project to strengthen entrepreneurship and enterprise development (SEED) in Egypt.  In cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, USAID supports the growth and expansion of startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises. 

Since 1978, USAID has invested nearly $30 billion in the people of Egypt for projects that reflect the shared goals and values of the people of America and the people of Egypt. This longstanding partnership reduced infant mortality and eliminated polio, modernized the power grid and expanded telecommunications networks, launched many entrepreneurs whose businesses created good jobs and added value to the Egyptian economy, and prepared students with marketable skills for the 21st century economy.