Injaz
Injaz

GIL - GENERATION OF INNOVATION LEADERS

The Generation of Innovation Leaders (GIL – جيل) is a UNICEF program designed to address the high unemployment rates among youth all over Lebanon & the 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 a UNICEF program in Lebanon and funded by the Government of The Netherlands.

OUR PARTNERS

INJAZ Lebanon is implementing the GIL program in the Bekaa, Akkar, and North of Lebanon, in collaboration with Al Midan, Akkar Network for Development (AND), The Lebanese University – Centre MINE, Michel Daher Social Foundation (MDSF), and UNRWA.

GIL Sponsors

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:

  • Creative Thinking

    Solve the challenges you will face in your personal or professional life in an innovative way.

  • Communication

    Express and communicate your ideas in a way that's accurate, clear, and attractive.

  • Business & Finance

    Learn how to turn any idea into a reality by planning and calculating correctly.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Career Success

    Acquire an entrepreneurial mindset and learn the skills that will also help you to succeed in your job.

GIL IN NUMBERS - TO DATE

  • Total Youths: 8,226
    Female: 57%, Male: 43%
  • Areas: North Lebanon, Akkar, and the Bekaa
  • Teams or Businesses Incubated: 1,175

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: 7 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.

Financial Bootcamp Stage 1

Duration: 5 days

  • Open to youth-led ideas with thematic sectors such as agribusiness.
  • Move beyond the "idea phase" with a professional Needs & Maturity Assessment.
  • Expand your network of coaches and specialists who will provide you with technical support.

Financial Bootcamp Stage 2

Duration: 5 days

  • Master your financial validation and feasibility.
  • Prepare your business to attract serious investment.
  • The top 360 people will advance to the Incubation stage.

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.

*Moving from a phase to another will depend on the jury’s scoring upon pitching your project idea.

Additional Support

We are helping 75 top-performing businesses and GIL alumni move into the world-class ILO “Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB)” program.

GSIYB Program


Build the skills you need to qualify for microfinance and formal bank loans.

INJAZ Lebanon will guide you through the application and prep work.

You’ll have a dedicated officer to support you every step of the way to ensure you succeed.


GIL Entrepreneurship Track

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!

  • Green Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

    Empowering you to develop sustainable and eco-friendly business solutions that address environmental challenges and promote green innovation.

  • Education

    Fostering the creation of innovative educational tools and services that enhance learning experiences, accessibility, and educational outcomes for diverse audiences.

  • 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.

  • 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.

To apply for GIL Entrepreneurship Track, please fill out the application on this link

Apply here

GIL CAMP

GIL Camp: the Intro to Entrepreneurship trackis an experience catered for you if you’re aged 15 to 18. Join a brief, 5-day bootcamp that dives into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation, and get ready to develop your idea and pitch it.

  • In-person interactive workshop in Arabic

  • You can register individually but you will later be assigned to a team to work together

  • 5 days bootcamp of 4 hours each/h3>

  • It ends with a one-day public presentation on the 5th day during which each team will work together to find a solution to a specific challenge


GIL CAMP

To apply for GIL Camp, please fill out the application on this link

Apply to GIL Camp

Youth Agri Market (YAM)

The Youth Agri Market (YAM) is a program that aims to strengthen small agribusinesses who are cultivating innovation, sustainability, or simply fresh produce "men el day3a".


GIL YAM

If you’re operating a business in the green agro-food sector or have an idea or a product in the market, sign up your interest in YAM on this link

Apply to YAM