On November 1^st, the Obama Administration issued a proclamation declaring November 2013 as National Entrepreneurship Month.  In recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) is proud to announce a series of initiatives that will expand entrepreneurial opportunities through increased access to capital for high-growth start-ups, entrepreneurship education, and collaborations between large companies, financial institutions, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries.

Full inclusion of women from across society is critical to U.S. foreign policy objectives and imperative for the economic growth and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). 

The Palestinian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has grown rapidly over the last three years to approximately 250 mostly small-sized companies, employing approximately 6,000 professionals. Nearly 2,000 students graduate from Palestinian universities annually in ICT-related fields – a number that is rapidly increasing. Recognizing the potential of this sector, USAID’s efforts link leading American companies with Palestinian entrepreneurs to promote economic development in the West Bank.

USAID helped the Palestinian agribusiness sector increase exports by $25,000,000 from 2012–2013 through the provision of technical assistance on job skills, improving product quality, accessing capital and reaching new markets. USAID assists food producers participate in international trade shows, organizes meetings with international agribusinesses and distributors and facilitates the use of treated wastewater for agriculture, all of which increase investments and exports. In 2013, USAID helped negotiate ten forward contracts between Palestinian farmers and domestic and international agribusinesses, infusing $8,000,000 into the Palestinian economy.