Aswan – Over 35 teams of entrepreneurs participated in the Aswan Startup Weekend competition on November 14, 15, and 16 as part of the United States’ contribution to International Global Entrepreneurship Week.

During the weekend event, entrepreneurs worked in teams to transform their creative ideas into business models, spanning sectors from tourism to technology. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) selected Egyptian mentors from a number of companies such as Microsoft, Vodafone, and Intel to coach teams on how to develop business plans and pitch their ideas in order to access investment. Competition winners will continue to receive training, mentoring, and coaching from USAID to build successful businesses, which will drive job creation and sustainable economic growth in Egypt.

“USAID believes in the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving Egypt's economy forward,” said Mary C. Ott, Mission Director of USAID in Egypt. “We have helped thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into action and are determined to add support that will assist thousands more.”

Prior to Startup Weekend, USAID facilitated an entrepreneurship awareness session at Aswan University on October 29, wihch more than 600 students attended. The one-day session provided potential entrepreneurs with inspiring stories from Egyptian entrepreneurs and mentors, as well as information about the upcoming Startup Weekend in Aswan.

The U.S. Government, through USAID, supports Egyptian entrepreneurs by providing training, mentoring, and other support. To date, USAID has supported over 20 similar entrepreneur events in Egypt and has helped launch 63 start-up companies – six of which are owned by women.