Berytech and Saint Joseph University (USJ) are proud to launch the Global Social Venture Competition (GSVC), in partnership with ESSEC Business School, a competition encouraging social entrepreneurship and contributing to the well being of the economy; The official launch ceremony was held on October 21st, at the Campus of innovation and sports, in presence of Pr. René Chamussy s.j., Rector of the USJ, Mr. Maroun N. Chammas, Chairman and CEO of Berytech, Prof. Thierry Sibieude, Professor and Chair of ESSEC social entrepreneurship as well as Ms. Sophie Keller, project manager.

Pr. Rene Chamussy s.j. declared in his opening speech: “This day marks the commitment of the USJ alongside Berytech in this great adventure in social entrepreneurship. Internally, we had expressed our willingness to move forward in this area, but now we want international action and I welcome the presence of Professor Thierry Sibieude, representing ESSEC, with us. With his expertise, he will be helping us to focus better our efforts in this area and improve so that our students will be able to establish companies based on social goals. Thus, will gradually assert the future leaders of the country and the region, men and women who are not only haunted by the desire to grow certain company, but by the constant concern of the poorest living in this country. In the background of this experience, there are of course all that the concepts of sustainable development and social innovation can mean; there is also the will to mobilize those who want a new perspective. It’s time to recreate solidarities”.

As for Mr. Maroun N. Chammas, he affirmed: “Today is my great pleasure to be with young people, professionals, strategic partners and stakeholders such as USJ and ESSEC who are mobilizing for a sustainable economy! For a better society! I recall that Berytech bring the expertise and know-how of its team and its network of partners to promote this initiative, identify social projects, select and support aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their business plans through an appropriate support and provide them with access to infrastructure and programs of the incubator.”

Pr. Sibieude and Ms. Keller highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship and their vision towards the expansion of this competition and the support provided by ESSEC to encourage this initiative noting that GSVC, initiated in 1999, is an international competition in Business Planning spearheaded by international and prestigious partners and targeting projects that have economical viability and social impact. GSVC targets young, passionate entrepreneurs looking to make a change and a contribution to the wellbeing of society.

Thanks to the collaboration of several key partners, laureates will benefit from a set of opportunities: international exposure, coaching and mentoring from expert counselors, key meetings with investors and professionals in the financing field, participation in international conferences and events, cash prizes as well as access to further incubation and support programs.
For more information, please visit: www.berytech.org/gsvc