In the framework of the Erasmus+ funded project Social Entrepreneurship in Times of Crises – SE.TC, all Lebanese partners of the consortium organized pilot workshops to introduce students to innovative solutions for social challenges. As part of this effort, the Lebanese University (UL), through its Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, successfully concluded its first workshop, equipping young people with the skills to address pressing needs in fragile socio-economic contexts.
Held from June 23 to July 11, 2025, at UL’s Faculty of Economics and Business Administration – Branch III in Tripoli, the workshop brought together 27 students from diverse academic backgrounds, supported by a committed team of faculty trainers and intra-institutional partners.
Tripoli was strategically chosen as the host city due to its socio-economic challenges and development gaps compared to other regions of Lebanon. By holding the training in one of the country’s most underprivileged areas, the initiative aimed to empower youth with entrepreneurial tools to create solutions directly impacting their communities.
Theory and practice: the workshop activities
The three-week program followed the SE.TC Erasmus+ curriculum, combining theoretical modules with hands-on activities. Topics included legal frameworks for social enterprises, financial sustainability, marketing and partnerships, social impact measurement, and digital technologies. The workshop culminated in a capstone project, where student teams pitched their business plans to a jury, addressing challenges such as unemployment, women’s empowerment, waste management, and digital inclusion.
The training was led by professors from the Lebanese University, including Selim Mekdessi, George Saliba, Sarah Makhoul, Riad Makdissi, Soha Katat, Véronique Kazpard, and Pascale Zaczac, who ensured a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Key institutional partners – Centre MINE, MILES Incubator, and UNICEF’s Generation of Innovation Leaders (GIL) – played a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of the initiative. They provided outreach, career guidance, incubation opportunities, and access to innovation networks, ensuring that the program extended beyond the classroom into real entrepreneurial pathways.
At the closing ceremony, participants received certificates of attendance and completion, with students reporting high satisfaction and a sense of empowerment. Many highlighted that the training exceeded their expectations and equipped them with practical tools for their careers and entrepreneurial journeys.
Building on the success of this first pilot, the Lebanese University has already announced plans for a second workshop this month, September 2025, along with an outreach campaign to engage more faculties and provide incubation opportunities for top-performing projects.
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