Project Title: Libya Women Economic Empowerment (LWEE)

Duration: October 2013 – September 2017

Objective:

LWEE releases the untapped economic potential of women entrepreneurs and enables more women to contribute to Libya’s economic growth and political stability. LWEE economically empowers women through business training and access to financing, enabling them to participate in Libya’s formal economy. LWEE creates women-owned business associations for networking and builds more effective market linkages. LWEE enhances the role of women in the economy, increases stability within communities, and improves the livelihoods of women who have participated in the program. 

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• LWEE provides essential business skills training and small grants targeting Libyan women entrepreneurs, so they can start a business and grow their business profitably and sustainably.
• LWEE works to strengthen business associations, especially those targeting women, to create sustainable Internet-based platforms for business engagement and advocacy.  Working through these networks, LWEE provides leadership training to women and highlights women in leadership and business roles in Libya;
• LWEE strengthens business incubation services for women entrepreneurs by working with local organizations to develop innovative products and approaches that expand outreach and impact through information communication technology strategies.
• LWEE works to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized Libyan businesses by developing a portal for traditional as well as innovative financial services. In addition, the project has a matching grant fund to assist women in the creation of new businesses or to expand existing ones.

Program Status/Achievements:

• 200 women attended instructor-led business development training.
• 300 women entrepreneurs were trained on fundamental business skills.
• Through LWEE business plan competitions, more than 20 women were awarded grants to start or expand a business.
• 9 Springboard leadership trainings were held in Tripoli, Ghadames, Benghazi, Misrata, and Yefren Mountains.
• 20 business networking events were held to allow women business owners to network, discuss issues of entrepreneurship, and source inputs, products, and services.
• The Virtual Business Incubation portal was launched to provide on-line business development training.