Financing women-owned social enterprises in MENA with Tamara Ghandour
Rama Impact seeks to address funding and technical support gaps in the region's social enterprise sector
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This week, we spoke with Tamara Ghandour, founder of Rama Impact!
What are you currently working on? (this can be job(s), projects, startups, etc)
Rama Impact Pilot seeks to offer enabling finance solutions and non-technical assistance to early stage women-owned social enterprises operating in the MENA region.
What led you to work on this? What's the "origin story" behind your current job(s)?
After gaining extensive experience in the humanitarian field in the MENA region, I have decided to to pivot towards social entrepreneurship as a means of delivering a more sustainable impact. The region faces market gaps unaddressed by profit-driven companies, non-profits, and government interventions, creating a distinct industry void. Social enterprises present a unique approach to effecting sustainable change. Unfortunately, the social entrepreneurship sector in MENA lacks adequate support. Over seven years in this field, I observed a significant funding shortage for social enterprises, particularly women owned. This was highlighted further during my involvement in the founding and management of the HerMeNow accelerator. Post-accelerator, women entrepreneurs often face challenges in securing funding despite being prepared for growth.
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
The initiative backs women actively contributing to positive change in the MENA region. Embracing a decentralized strategy, they address urgent environmental and social challenges within their communities. The MENA region stands out as the sole global area experiencing increasing poverty rates since 2010, with less than 3% of the overall global impact investing market directed towards it. Now, more than ever, this region requires support, emphasizing the need to unite efforts in constructing a better future.
What’s your favorite part of the Viaka Network thus far? Do you have any memorable experiences or helpful connections made that you can share with me?
I recently became a part of the network, and I'm thoroughly impressed with the caliber of its members and the engaging nature of the platform! Great job, Hani!
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
I welcome financial experts with a specific interest in empowering talented and ambitious conscious women entrepreneurs in the MENA region to connect with me. Their contributions can take various forms, including advisory roles, mentorship, and assistance with fundraising.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
Bazzela and rice :)
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks:
Viaka Events:
Network Mixer in Dubai - April 19th (In-Person)
How to recruit (for non-recruiters) - April 25th (Virtual)
Viaka in Riyadh - April 27th (In-Person)
Broader Community:
Al-Kindi Club x Dr. Noor Shaker - April 16th (In-Person, London)
Salmine Sassi: Testing your Value Proposition - April 24th (Virtual)
IMEU Benefit Dinner - April 25th (In-Person, NYC)
MENA Visionaries - April 26th (In-Person, SF)
Prosperity through Entrepreneurship Conference - April 30th (In-Person, Boston)
Dubai FinTech Summit 2024 - May 6th & 7th (In-Person, Dubai)
If you’d like to share an event in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Recent job openings from the Viaka Network & beyond. If you apply, let me know so I can also make a personal introduction.
If you’d like to share a job posting in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Listen to the history of one of VC’s most storied firms - Benchmark (Acquired Podcast)
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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