Entrpreneurship and Private Sector Development

Resilient Ideas for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (RISE) Lab

UNITAR

People’s well-being is rooted in economic, social, and environmental security. Sustained and inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship and private-sector development can drive progress, create decent jobs, and improve living standards.

The Resilient Ideas for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (RISE) Lab’s mission is to foster innovation through comprehensive courses in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, leadership, and sustainability. We empower entrepreneurs and professionals to refine ideas, grow sustainable businesses, and develop intrapreneurship skills that empower women and youth to turn their ideas into reality.

RISE Lab’s vision

In 10 years, RISE Lab aims to catalyse sustainable private sector growth in emerging markets and developing countries, particularly in Africa, by empowering 5,000,000 women through tailored capacity-building initiatives. These efforts will enable women to launch and grow resilient businesses, fostering economic development in conflict-affected areas.

The depth of knowledge we gained in areas like financial, market research and the investor mindset was truly invaluable. But what truly made the programme special was the opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of likeminded individuals, inspiring mentors, and insightful speakers, particularly on the topic of trauma management.

—Cendrella Antoun, Lebanon

* RISE Lab was formerly known as the Great Ideas Space. It was renamed in 2024.

Focus Topics

Entrepreneurship: social entrepreneurship, innovation, digital entrepreneurship
Leadership: business management, leadership strategy, team building, collaboration & communication
Project management: needs assessment, results chain, training of trainers
Finance: financial modelling, accounting, financial planning, and management
Digital literacy: AI, cybersecurity, programming, web applications

2023 Reach

RISE Lab reached 5,715 women and youth across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan through entrepreneurship training and mentorship

92% of our participants self-identified as women

99% of our participants are from developing countries

Regions

Afghanistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, South Sudan, Somalia, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Economic Community of West African States, Southern Africa Development Cooperation member states, and Middle Eastern countries.

UNITAR

UNITAR

UNITAR

Our Projects

UNITAR

UNITAR Training for Afghan Youth: Advancing Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship

“UNITAR Training for Afghan Youth: Advancing Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship” will equip Afghan young people, both men and women, with crucial digital, financial and entrepreneurship skills that will help them strengthen their entrepreneurship initiatives, such as small-scale agriculture, handicrafts, education, health and digital businesses, to enhance food security and economic stability in their communities.

UNITAR

Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Promoting Food Security and Economic Development in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon

“Promoting Food Security and Economic Development in Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon” aims to support entrepreneurs in Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon in addressing urgent local and regional food insecurity through innovative solutions, including climate-smart agricultural and aquacultural practices.