Middle East Partnership Initiative

President George W. Bush's Middle East Partnership Initiative, has devoted more than $293 million in four years to reform efforts. It focuses on spread of democracy, education, economic growth, and women empowernment.

The MEPI's economic pillar is focused on region-wide economic and employment growth driven by private sector expansion and entrepreneurship. Within the economic pillar, MEPI is concentrating on the following goal areas:

• Investment: Encourage mobilization of foreign direct and domestic investment and facilitate revenue and employment growth of micro-enterprises and SMEs.
• Entrepreneurship: Advancing private sector job creation.
• Trade/Transparency: Enhance MEPI partner countries' global competitiveness.

You can see the success stories to gain inspiration.

Another good avenue to explore for young entrepreneurs. MEPI has not been closed and it is still functioning. Not only does its high profile backing makes it unique but also steps like MEPI Alumni Network ensure sustainability.