For the second time in Egypt, the Middle East Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (MCSBE) signed an MOU with The Global Entrepreneurship Week to act as the Egyptian partner to coordinate a week-long set of activities in Egypt during November 15-22, 2009.  The objectives for Entrepreneurship Week in Egypt are to: 1) create more awareness of entrepreneurship among young Egyptians; 2) boost the entrepreneurship culture in the country; 3) mobilize partners to support entrepreneurial activity; and 4) foster entrepreneurship networks. As part of this Global initiative, the MCSBE will act as a coordinator to the Weeks’ activities, in partnership with our strategic partners; the Egyptian Junior Business Association (EJB) and the Industrial Modernization Center (IMC), and the Social Fund for Development (SFD),.

In 2008, together with its partners, MCSBE coordinated 19 events in Cairo, Alexandria, Tanta and Assuit that were attended by almost 3,500 Egyptians, mostly young people. In continuation to the success of the GEW in Egypt in 2008, MCSBE expanded the scope of the Week this year by increasing the number participating partners and ensuring a widespread run of activities. Activities are to be organized by partners, and to be coordinated by MCSBE. The aim this year is to reach potential and young entrepreneurs from various age groups in the different governorates.

 As of 11^th October, 2009, MCSBE has initiated and confirmed 25 events to be conducted through the week in different governorates. This has been done through coordinating with local partners ranging from; NGOs, business associations, universities, donor agencies, government, international organizations, and the private sector.

•  Universities participating: Cairo, Ain Shams, Tanta, Fayoum, Mansoura, CIC, Assiut, Alexandria, AUC, Helwan, BUE, GUC, and Higher Institute for Specific Studies.
• Donor agencies: The Canadian International Development Agency with 3 projects.
• NGOs and Associations: Egyptian Junior Business Association (EJB), INJAZ, Entrepreneurship Business Forum (EBF)
• International organizations: International Labor Organization (ILO).
• Government: Social Fund for Development (SFD), and Ministry of Trade and Industry through the IMC.
• Private sector: Mercator xxi.
• Media Partners: Al Sherouk Newspaper, and OTV

Through the coordinating committee of partners, the Week is estimated to reach up to 10,000 thousands of Egyptian youth (triple the number in 2008), providing inspiration, assistance, mentorship, and awareness. If you would like to get involved please contact Mohamed Abdel Aziz: myoussef@mcsbe.org

Partners