Empowering Lebanese SMEs Continued: TESSA Project x Fondation Diane

We are thrilled to share with you the latest developments and achievements of phase 2 of our initiative, aimed at empowering Lebanese SMEs towards sustainable growth and development. Building upon Phase 1 Success: Phase 1 of the TESSA project was a resounding success, with Fondation Diane’s team conducting a widespread awareness campaign at the Chambers of Commerce Industry and Agriculture of Zahle and Beirut on the principles of circular economy. Through extensive engagement efforts, we reached out to over 300 Startups and Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) across various sectors in Lebanon. Following a selection process, 50 SMEs were identified to progress to phase 2 of the project. Tailored Training for Sector-specific Needs: At the onset of phase 2, Fondation Diane conducted comprehensive needs assessment to better understand the specific requirements and challenges faced by SMEs in different sectors covering almost all industries in Lebanon. The insights from this assessment revealed a strong inclination towards adopting green practices among SMEs in targeted sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, media, food processing, and manufacturing. Additionally, it shed light on ongoing initiatives, encountered hurdles, specific skill gaps, potential project ideas, and preferences for workshop content. Structuring Phase 2: With these insights in hand, Fondation Diane structured phase 2 of the TESSA project to cater to the diverse needs of SMEs across these sectors. The program commenced with a general introductory session, followed by follow-up sessions tailored to the unique requirements of each sector. Workshops Driving Sustainable Business Models: The tailored workshops delved into the development of each SME’s Green Business Model (GBM), emphasizing crucial aspects such as market research, innovation practices, and sustainable business model development. These sessions, totaling 12 sector-specific workshops alongside the general session, provided a platform for SMEs to refine their strategies and embrace sustainable practices. GBM Canvas: As the training sessions drew to a close, SMEs presented their Green Business Canvas to Fondation Diane and ICU showcasing their green projects. This final step served as a testament to their commitment to integrating sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations. Celebrating Sustainable Success and Selection of 20 SMEs to Proceed their Green Business Transition with Berytech: A closure event was held at USJ marking the conclusion of phase 2 of the sustainability workshop series. Bringing together industry experts, business leaders, , the event aimed to inspire, educate, and connect participants in their sustainability journey. Throughout the event, speakers from different backgrounds showcased their insights and practices towards achieving their sustainability goals;

Mrs. Alexa El Hed, serving as Head of Sustainability at IPT and also as a consultant, delivered a comprehensive general overview highlighting her role as a consultant and provided invaluable insights into IPT’s sustainability initiatives.
Dr. Maha Rifai, Co-founder & Co-owner of Beesline, presented a case study on integrating sustainability into the cosmetics industry.
Ms. Ghida Ibrahim, representing Fattal, offered insights into sustainable practices adopted within the hospitality sector.

In addition, AICS, represented by Mr. Dario Mancinelli expressed his appreciation on the project’s advancement and the impact it has created. Concluding the event, ICU presented the 20 SMEs selected to continue to the new phase with Berytech. These selections were made based on rigorous criteria, encompassing factors such as environmental impact, innovation, replicability of solutions, commitment to capacity building, and more. These selections were made based on specific criteria established by ICU, including Eligibility Criteria (35%), Selection Criteria (45%), and Additional Scores (20%). The detailed criteria are as follows: • Eligibility Criteria (35%) ➢ RE/EE/DSM/BMS and positive energy/environmental impact (TESSA Application) (10%) ➢ Absence of ongoing legal disputes, bankruptcy status, previous convictions, etc. (5%) ➢ Legal registration in Lebanon (5%) ➢ Climate friendly, based on the rating of their current Green Business Management practices (needs assessment with Fondation Diane) (10%) ➢ Plans to expand / hire new employees (TESSA Application) (5%) • Selection Criteria (45%) ➢ Innovative solutions / technologies (Canvas) (5%) ➢Potential replicability and transferability of the solution (Canvas) (5%) ➢ Scores based on application and technical information (Energy Saving Potential, Financial Status, Employment, Environmental impact) (35%) • Additional Scores (20%) ➢ Women engagement (10%) ➢ Willingness for capacity building (Questionnaire on SME training needs) (5%) ➢ Commitment based on participation in training programs and required deliverables (5%) TESSA’s Visibility Campaign: Fondation Diane participated in three major exhibitions as part of their visibility campaign for the TESSA project:

Middle East Clean Energy Exhibition and Conference: This exhibition provided a significant opportunity for Fondation Diane to showcase the TESSA project’s initiatives in promoting clean energy solutions in Lebanon.
The EcoSwitch Festival: Organized by the Ecoswitch coalition in collaboration with Fondation Diane, this festival served as a pivotal gathering for Lebanese green enterprises, fostering connections and promoting sustainable initiatives.
NGOi 5th Anniversary Event: Hosted by the Non-Governmental Organizations Initiative (NGOi) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), this event celebrated the initiative’s milestone and served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the civil society sector.

Upcoming Exhibition: Fondation Diane is gearing up for its participation in the Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition (RAWMEC), which will also highlight the activities of the TESSA project, further promoting sustainable practices and initiatives. Conclusion: As we reflect on the achievements of phase 2, we are inspired by the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by Lebanese SMEs towards embracing sustainability. The TESSA project continues to pave the way for a greener, more resilient future, one SME at a time. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on the next leg of this transformative journey with Berytech!