Program developed and designed in partnership with Startups Without Borders DUBAI: Tech giant Meta has launched a new initiative to support Palestinian entrepreneurs and small businesses. The initiative, which was designed and developed in partnership with Startups Without Borders, consists of three pillars: A donation of $100,000; a Boost Without Borders — Palestine program to train 500 small businesses; and expanding partnerships with local organizations in Palestine. The initiative aims to build the capacities of small-business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as give them the opportunity to grow outside Palestine, Meta said in a statement. Azzam Alameddin, Meta’s public policy director for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities as well as the economic health of the MENA region. We care deeply about the challenges these businesses are facing and how well they are equipped to handle them.” Meta has donated $100,000 to Startups Without Borders to be deployed in support of startups and small businesses in Palestine. Through this donation, the nonprofit organization will fund an investment readiness program for 50 local businesses. The program will start with a training and end in a pitching competition. An external jury will evaluate participants based on three factors: Growth, impact and business model. Winners will be awarded up to $20,000 to support their growth and operations. The Boost Without Borders — Palestine program will train 500 small businesses on how to use Meta tools and platforms to expand their business. It will include a mix of virtual and on-ground learning sessions to help startups and small to medium businesses. Meta is also working with local organizations to nominate up to 20 trainers to receive digital marketing training, and an opportunity to become part of Meta’s trainer network. “For the past year, we have been working with Meta in building a program that supports Palestinian entrepreneurs to grow their businesses amid the challenges their nation faces,” said Valentina Primo, founder and CEO of Startups Without Borders. “Palestinian entrepreneurs are some of the world’s most resilient founders and we are confident this program will support them to flourish beyond borders.” The initial phase of the program began last September with a round table discussion among key Palestinian entrepreneurs, who identified the challenges as well as the strategies needed to support their business growth. The program launched on March 15 and is open to founders of startups and small-business owners from Palestine.