GIL - GENERATION OF INNOVATION LEADERS
The Generation of Innovation Leaders (GIL – جيل) is a program powered by UNICEF Lebanon and designed to address the high unemployment rates among youth all over Lebanon & their lack of access to the knowledge economy.
This program aims to provide increased income generation opportunities for youth through the development of Entrepreneurship and digital skills. It also focuses on providing opportunities and support for youth looking to start, manage, and grow a small business.
GIL innovation labs are created in partnership with local stakeholders and operate nationwide. The GIL labs serve as co-working spaces and hubs for youth from different backgrounds to network with like-minded people, to connect with experienced mentors, and to participate in trainings and workshops that will develop their entrepreneurial and digital skills. GIL is powered by UNICEF Lebanon and funded thanks to the Kingdom of Netherlands.
INJAZ Lebanon is delivering the GIL program in the Bekaa, Akkar, and North of Lebanon.
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WHY GIL?
Participating with GIL will open new learning doors for you and offer you different opportunities! You will get the chance to learn about different topics and skills such as:
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Creative Thinking
Solve the challenges you will face in your personal or professional life in an innovative way.
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Communication
Express and communicate your ideas in a way that's accurate, clear, and attractive.
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Business & Finance
Learn how to turn any idea into a reality by planning and calculating correctly.
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Entrepreneurship
If your idea gets selected to the final stage, you will benefit from the proper incubation and support to help you launch your project.
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Networking
Meet new friends and other youth who have the same mindset as yours and benefit from our pool of trainers and mentors who can be your ultimate support.
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Career Success
Acquire an entrepreneurial mindset and learn the skills that will also help you to succeed in your job.
GIL IN NUMBERS - 2023
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Total Youths: 410
Female: 64%, Male: 36% - Areas: North Lebanon + Akkar + Bekaa
- Youths incubated: 90
GIL Entrepreneurship Stages
Are you aged 18 to 28 and dreaming about launching your own micro-enterprise? Do you want to learn how to create a business & financial plan? Then this track is for you - whether you already have a business idea or not! Check out below the four stages available within this track:
Design Thinking
Duration: 5 days
- Acquire skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Develop project ideas as solutions to problems around you.
- Practice pitching and public presentation.
- Learn marketing and communications skills.
- Obtain an opportunity to participate in several local, regional and international competitions.
Business Development
Duration: 5 days
- Get trained on business planning & development.
- Develop your business plan and financial forecasts.
- Expand your network of coaches and specialists who will provide you with technical support.
Incubation & Seed Funding
Duration: 60 to 90 days
- The most viable project ideas will be selected to advance to the incubation phase.
- Benefit from weekly sessions of coaching and mentorship support.
- Receive a possible seed funding to start your project.
Advanced Incubation
Duration: 50 to 60 days
- Available for select projects that have received primary seed funding and need advanced support.
- Receive expert guidance and procurement assistance to refine and develop your project.
- Benefit from one week of training with 4 sessions to advance your project's growth.
*Moving from a phase to another will depend on the jury’s scoring upon pitching your project idea.
GIL Entrepreneurship Priority Themes
This season, GIL is all about impactful projects that fall under our priority themes. Whether you're passionate about driving sustainability, transforming education, promoting health and wellbeing, or revolutionizing the agri-food sector – your ideas have a home here!
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Green Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
Empowering you to develop sustainable and eco-friendly business solutions that address environmental challenges and promote green innovation.
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Education
Fostering the creation of innovative educational tools and services that enhance learning experiences, accessibility, and educational outcomes for diverse audiences.
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Health and Wellbeing
Promoting the development of businesses focused on improving physical and mental health, offering solutions that enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
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Agriculture and Agri-food
Encouraging entrepreneurial ideas in agriculture and food production that support food security, sustainable farming practices, and innovation in the agri-food sector.
GIL CAMP
Introducing the new GIL Camp track, a new experience just for you! If you're aged 15 to 18 and looking for a brief, 4-day experience that introduces you to the world of entrepreneurship, join the GIL Camp track!
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In-person interactive workshop in Arabic
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You can register individually but you will later be assigned to a team to work together
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4 days bootcamp of 3 hours each/h3>
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It ends with a one-day public presentation on the 4th day during which each team will work together to find a solution to a specific challenge
To apply for GIL Camp, please fill out the application here. Or, scroll down on this page to complete the application for the GIL Entrepreneurship track.
GIL Stories
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Questa: Google, but Make It Academic
Aug 9, 2023Ever found yourself stuck on some stubborn homework that no matter how much you tried, you just couldn’t solve? Or maybe some absurd lesson that you couldn’t wrap your head around? Worry not, Questa is here to save the day, and your grades!
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Dhur Mash: An Escape from the Hustle and Bustle of City Life
Aug 9, 2023City life can get really stressful, squeezing through the tight work schedules, heavy traffic, and dead concrete buildings. We all need that once in a while retreat in the heart of greenery. Contact Hiba from Dhur Mash; she’s got just what you need.
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TAMAS: Changing Lives One Juvenile at a Time
Aug 9, 2023Juveniles in Lebanon often suffer social discrimination and banishment from society upon their release, leading them to live as outcasts and often falling into the trap of recidivism. However, TAMAS gears up to reintegrate juveniles into society.
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JIWAR: The Uncensored Initiative Breaking Taboos
Aug 7, 2023Sexual education is a topic often misunderstood and disregarded by the Lebanese society. Many a time one is unable to ask basic questions about one’s sexuality and is overcome by shame. Luckily, JIWAR is here to educate the crowd!
Learn more