Entrepreneurship and digital economy program

STEPNAU 2024 kickoff: Empowering Refugees Through Entrepreneurship

“It's not a faith in technology. It's faith in people.” Steve Jobs, This was the closing statement for the STEPNAU 2024 programme Kick off on August 14th, 2024.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Kicked off the STEPNAU 2024 for the second year part of the Refugee Project, in both Amman office & Lebanon office.

This event marked the official launch of the program, bringing together 30 Refugees participants who are residents in Jordan and Lebanon alongside virtual attendees from the FNF Lebanon office, SABBAG Hub for training and Consulting and FNF refugee team. This year’s iteration of STEPNAU is unique, expanding its reach and impact through the inclusion of participants from Lebanon and introducing virtual courses developed in the field of Digital Entrepreneurship and freelancing.

STEPNAU 2024 Launches with a Diverse Cohort from Jordan and Lebanon

The event opened with a warm welcome from Ms. Isabel Kreifels, who congratulated the participants on being selected for this year’s program. She emphasized the critical role of entrepreneurship and economic freedom in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, stating, "Entrepreneurship and economic freedom are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape." Her words underscored the importance of initiatives like STEPNAU in empowering individuals to drive change within their communities.

Following Ms. Kreifels’ address, Eng. Lilian Haddad took the stage to provide a comprehensive overview of the STEPNAU program. She detailed its vision, mission, and methodology, breaking down the program into its three distinct phases. Eng. Haddad emphasized focusing on motivating the participants to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge. She urged them to seize this opportunity to scale up in the field of entrepreneurship and income generation, reminding them that economic policies are not a barrier for those who are ambitious. "You are special," she emphasized, "having been selected from over 150 other refugees. Your commitment to the program is key to unlocking its full potential and preparing for the challenges ahead." She urged the participants, "Your commitment to the program is key to unlocking its full potential and preparing for the challenges ahead." She also discussed the anticipated outcomes, culminating in a highly anticipated Hackathon scheduled for November, which will serve as a platform for participants to showcase their newfound skills and developed business ideas.

Eng. Mohammad Al-Khateb, an expert from SABBAG Hub and one of the program’s trainers, then addressed the participants. He provided insights into what they could expect from the virtual courses, which will cover crucial topics such as E-Commerce and Digital Marketing. "These courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital economy," he explained.

Inspiration from the Past: Alumnus Shares Success Story

The event also featured an inspiring testimonial from a STEPNAU ’23 alumnus, who shared his journey and the significant impact the program had on his entrepreneurial endeavors. "STEPNAU was a game-changer for my business, providing the tools and support I needed to succeed," he shared. His success story served as a powerful motivator for the current participants, encouraging them to embrace the challenges ahead and fully engage with the program.

Networking Session: Building Connections for a Successful Journey Ahead

The kickoff event concluded with a networking session, allowing participants to connect with the Refugee FNF team, the Sabbag Hub trainers, and each other. This session was designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration, setting the stage for the successful journey ahead in STEPNAU 2024. As one participant noted, "Connecting with your peers and mentors today is the first step toward building a collaborative and successful future."

With the kickoff event now behind them, the STEPNAU 2024 program is officially underway. Participants are currently engaged in the e-learning modules, developing their skills and gaining new knowledge in areas such as E-Commerce and Digital Marketing. Over the coming months, they will continue to refine their ideas and apply what they’ve learned, working diligently toward the culmination of the program in November. The Hackathon will provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative ideas and the progress they’ve made, demonstrating the impact of the STEPNAU program on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Follow our social media to stay connected more.