Every year, the Femmes Francophones Entrepreneures (FFE) competition bring together inspiring women entrepreneurs in Lebanon. This exciting competition shines a spotlight on innovative projects led by Lebanese Francophone women, offering them crucial support through mentorship, networking, and funding.
One remarkable success story from last year’s event is Metle Metlik, a digital education platform co-founded by Gaël Abou Ghannam, M.D., Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Sandrine Atallah, Sexual Medicine Specialist and Hypnotherapist. Together, they created a platform that provides on-demand, pre-recorded video programs focused on women’s reproductive and sexual health, addressing a crucial gap in the market. The success of Metle Metlik is a testament to their shared vision and expertise.
Q&A: Gaël’s Journey with FFE
Q: Can you share a few key highlights from your experience in the FFE competition that stood out to you and contributed to your success?
The coaching sessions were incredibly valuable. They played a key role in helping us refine our pitch and present our project in the best possible light. The coaches’ guidance was instrumental in organizing our ideas and boosting our confidence in delivering a compelling presentation.
Q: How has winning the competition positively impacted your professional journey and business growth since last year?
Winning the competition provided us with a significant boost in confidence, confirming that our project was not only feasible but also promising. The prize money allowed us to hire the right consultants and develop a professional website, which were critical steps in advancing our business. Additionally, the connections we made with other competitors have led to ongoing friendships and networking opportunities that continue to benefit us.
Q: What opportunities or connections have opened up for you as a result of your participation in FFE?
After the competition, we were invited to several networking events, which greatly increased our project’s visibility. The exposure we instantly gained following the event opened doors to new opportunities and allowed us to connect with key players in our field.
Q: Why should people attend this year’s final event in September, and what would you say to those considering applying for the next edition?
The FFE final event is a unique opportunity to witness innovative projects and connect with like-minded individuals. For those considering applying for the next edition, the coaching you receive through FFE will help you clarify your ideas and fine-tune your project, making it a more viable and impactful endeavor.
This year’s FFE Final Event is fast approaching, set to take place on October 1, 2024. This gathering will be a great opportunity to celebrate and support women innovators within a vibrant community. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this exciting journey and get inspired to take your entrepreneurial dreams to the next level.
For more information about Femmes Francophones Entrepreneures, click on the link below.
FFE was created by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) in the Middle East and Berytech, with the aim of fostering business development and promoting female entrepreneurship in Lebanon. Since 2016, L’Orient-Le Jour has been FFE’s media partner.
The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie is a worldwide association of French-speaking higher education and research establishments created 60 years ago. It brings together more than 1,000 universities on five continents. It is also the higher education and research arm of the Francophonie Summit.
