What?
We live in a time of deep transformation— climate change, broken public services, economic instability, and declining international aid, to name few. The truth the systems we once relied on are struggling. The challenges are too big, and governments can’t do it alone.
But the good news?
Everyone can be a changemakers in its community. Everyone has something to bring: a skill, a story, a solution. We believe the future belongs to the doers — those who dare to dream, to build and take action to lift their communities from the inside out.
That’s where you come in.
Whether you live in a remote village in Yemen, a besieged city in Soudan, or anywhere in between — if you have an idea, a passion, and the willingness to work — we’re here to walk the journey with you.
Why we are here?
To help aspiring changemakers, like you, transform their ideas into real, impactful projects.
How?
By providing personalized guidance, mentorship, and access to a nurturing network.
We don’t offer money. We offer something just as powerful: Clarity, strategy, and connection.
Money follows good ideas that are well nurtured — and we’re here to help you build that path.
Who Are We?
This initiative is led by a passionate trio with deep roots in the region and the entrepreneurial ecosystem:
- Saoussen Ben Cheikh – Founder of MENA-can, with over a decade of experience empowering entrepreneurs and ecosystem-building in fragile contexts across the MENA region.
- Mohamed Issa – Founder of Creativity Lab Arab World, experienced coach and social entrepreneur, deeply rooted in the realities of fragile contexts and committed to unlocking local potential.
- Safa Nasser – Experienced admin & finance wizard, excel in making things happen with clarity, care, and consistency.
Together, we bring the know-how, the energy, and the empathy to support you — wherever you’re starting from. No matter your background or location.
What You Need to Get Started
This initiative is not about having a finished project. It’s about having the readiness to grow. To apply, you need to:
- Have a clear idea inspired by a real need in your community
- Be driven by passion and purpose — that fire in your belly
- Have done some basic research (even informal) on the problem you want to solve
- Be willing to commit time, effort, and open-minded learning
If that’s you — we’ll take it from there.
What the Journey Looks Like
We’ll guide you through the key stages of becoming a changemaking entrepreneur:
- Inspiration – Finding your “why” and connecting to your purpose
- Ideation – Sharpening your idea based on real needs and local opportunities
- Validation & Research – Understanding your audience, value proposition, and potential impact
- Incubation – Crafting a sustainable model, basic budgeting, storytelling, and prototype planning
- Readiness to Launch – How to test your idea, seek local allies, and approach funders or customers
- Networking & Visibility – Join our changemakers ecosystem and connect with others
How to Apply
If this speaks to you, fill out this short form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1U_rKA3jPCuu9IYQX9aUIT8wqg9xLoKe-Z3i_ECAL3Lg/preview .
Tell us about your idea, your passion, and where you are right now.
We’ll review your responses and get back to you with next steps.