Launch of TheKnowHer: A Free Online Directory of Women-led SMEs
Women-led businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth and development. Research has shown time and again that women’s economic empowerment is not only good for women but for the economy as a whole. When women are economically empowered, they contribute to both poverty reduction and improved social outcomes. They also have a positive impact on their communities by creating jobs and driving innovation.
However, despite the significant progress made in recent years, women in business still need to overcome many challenges, some of which include limited access to financing, training, and networking opportunities.
As part of Bloom’s mission to bridge the gender gap in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, we’ve joined forces with KristiesLab, The Nawaya Network, the UN Global Compact Lebanon, and Stand for Women to launch TheKnowHer Initiative. TheKnowHer is a dynamic and free online directory spotlighting Lebanon’s women-led SMEs. This groundbreaking platform is designed to empower female entrepreneurs, fostering connections with clients, partners, and investors locally and regionally.
The launching ceremony, held on March 30, 2023, at the Greek Community of Beirut, included a panel discussion that covered the vital role of women-owned businesses in social, economic, and environmental development. Facilitated by Dr. Lara Al Arab, Entrepreneurship and Soft Skills Education Expert, the panel featured commentaries and the expert insights of Deenah Fakhoury, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon, Jessica Said, Deputy Director and Board Member at The Nawaya Network, Nada Dimachkieh Sweidan, Program Officer and Youth Focal Point at the UNDP, and David Munir Nabti, Co-Founder of Bloom.
The panel was followed by a gratitude and mindfulness exercise led by Stephanie Shaar, who shared tips learned along her mental health journey, and highlighted the importance of mental health, especially in the workplace. At Bloom, we believe that mental and physical well-being are crucial to positive output and change in our communities. If you’d like to explore some mental health-boosting tips shared by our Bloom Community, you can check them out here!
And if you’re a woman entrepreneur, and this initiative speaks to you, TheKnowHer receives applications on a rolling basis; you can apply to showcase your business here! And if you know one, you can support them by sharing this with them!