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Resource Mobilization:
Entrepreneurship Training for Middle Eastern and North African Civil Society Leaders
By Emily Meyertholen, Beyster Institute Staff
  The Beyster Institute believes in applying the values of entrepreneurship to the civil society sector. These values - looking for opportunities, leveraging resources effectively, taking calculated risks, hiring and training the best people, building alliances and maintaining flexibility - are integrated into our training curriculum and our everyday operations.
Through the Middle East Entrepreneur Training in the U.S. (MEET U.S.) program, the Institute has provided intensive entrepreneurship training to over 150 of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s entrepreneurs and business leaders. As part of the MEET U.S. program, this year we are also helping leaders of the region’s civil society organizations (CSOs) to develop entrepreneurial skills to achieve their social missions.
At an intensive three-week training session in San Diego in September, CSO leaders from throughout the region came together to share their knowledge and learn how to build sustainable, effective, responsive organizations. They were introduced to contemporary ideas and practices to effectively manage civil society organizations, develop networks, and leverage and contribute to community resources. They discussed their challenges such as adapting to changing environments, building and managing solid funding bases, meeting the needs of their constituencies and promoting social, political and economic change in their communities and countries.
The program participants represented a wide variety of causes, including groups which fight corruption, advocate freedom of the press, promote women’s rights, and assist disadvantaged citizens.
“Each session gave me something new,” said one participant. “I began looking at my work with a different perspective, and entrepreneurial perspective.”
“I realized that improving my organization’s communications could make a big difference,” said another. “I want to involve my stakeholders more to better communicate their needs and our needs.”
Throughout the program, the leaders of American non-profit organizations shared their expertise in building, leading and managing their organizations. In addition, each participant spent time visiting organizations similar to their own.
“It was great to hear from the panel of American CSO leaders,” said a participant. “The challenges I face are a little different from theirs, but it was helpful to hear about how they manage their staff, boards, and volunteers, and how they strategically position themselves in their communities.”
Fundraising and proposal strategy were especially important topics. “The culture of giving varies a lot throughout the Middle East,” said a participant. “It can be very hard to get support. There are a few new tactics I learned here which I’m going to try.”
The Institute is planning its next entrepreneurship training for CSO leaders at its Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence in Bahrain in January. The MEET U.S. program is funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative at the U.S. Department of State.
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