The SME Evolution Program will be hosted in conjunction with Berytech. It will provide more than 50 free ‘webinars’ as well as live workshops that will be led by professors from globally-ranked universities. Over a period of six months, the free web-based training will help SMEs network with their peers throughout the Middle East and gain support from each other as well as from other mentors.

The announcements came during a preliminary workshop hosted by Berytech Technology & Health in Beirut, that allowed SMEs to test the web training process and invited them to register for the six-month program. The workshop was attended by Potential’s local and regional partners, including Lebanon-based Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), Google and Intel. Representatives from Aramex and Zawya, two of the region’s most successful SME entities, were also present at the event.

Shadi Banna, Managing Partner, Potential, said: “We are delighted to offer such a program to SMEs in the region, particularly the small businesses in Lebanon. We understand the importance of cooperating with leading global and local partners and our association with Berytech is an outcome of this crucial necessity. We are confident our partnership will help provide the much-needed thrust for SMEs to enlarge the scope of their businesses and create more job opportunities.”

Nicolas Rouhana, Director, Berytech Technological Pole, said: “We, at Berytech, strongly believe in giving entrepreneurs every support. We are proud to be partners in this program that offers a platform where entrepreneurs can run the chance of getting worldwide exposure and increase their global competitiveness. Berytech will be hosting live events across the year and providing packages customized for the needs of the SMEs."

Potential plans to host more road shows and workshops across the MENA region to launch individual country versions of the 'SME Evolution Program' through relevant local partnerships as well as SME-dedicated government initiatives.