UNIDO launches the LevelUP Accelerator in Jordan
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UNIDO launched the LevelUP Accelerator to support the creation and growth of sustainable and inclusive businesses in Jordan. The Accelerator targets top Jordanian startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across three manufacturing value chains (natural cosmetics, fashion and phytopharmaceuticals) to promote sustainability, integrate circular economy principles, and employ a digital-solutions driven, design thinking approach to creating human-centered products, services, and experiences. Delivered in partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply and local partners, including Change Labs, Jordan Exports, JEDCO, and Business and Professional Women Amman (BPWA), the Accelerator is a part of the LevelUp - Advancing Jordanian Industries multi-component project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, for creating decent job opportunities for women and youth and promoting public-private partnerships to create game-changing opportunities for Jordanian entrepreneurs. The Accelerator comprises 5 Gates, providing the 50 shortlisted startups and mature SMEs a chance to compete and qualify as one of the 10 Champions of Digital Change, and gain access to resources required for scaling up, training opportunities with leading entrepreneurial actors, industry immersion experiences and a gateway to global markets by pitching their business plans to world-class venture capitalists and investors. The Gate 1 Call for Applications was launched on 1 June, followed by a Launch Event Premier on 22 June featuring a detailed presentation of the application process alongside interventions from experts and Jordanian influencers. LevelUP Open Days held on 30 June and 5 July were attended by 150 participants, and featured spotlight sessions with successful Jordanian entrepreneurs and masterclasses on e-commerce, exports consortia, design thinking and circular economy. With 320 applications received to date, the deadline for Gate 1 call for application is 31 July 2021. For further information contact Bashir Conde (B.Conde [at] unido.org (B[dot]Conde[at]unido[dot]org)) |
