Concept Initiation Trainer - Idealab Program

Michel Daher Social Foundation is a local NGO that aims to create an enabling environment where everyone can achieve their highest potential. MDSF is a community partner in the IdeaLab program. The program’s objective is to strengthen the business and product viability of start-ups in agrifoodtech, and cleantech sectors from the Bekaa area. The Program also focuses on the societal impact by providing business incubation and training to vulnerable youth. 

We are seeking an experienced expert to deliver Market Validation training aimed at empowering rural youth to develop innovative projects and ideas in the fields of agrifoodtech, and cleantech. The workshops will equip participants with the skills and mindset necessary to create sustainable and impactful solutions to local challenges.

Scope of Work

The service provider will have to physically give one full day (6-hour session) on the value proposition canvas for 13 startups simultaneously. Those startups were selected by Berytech & MDSF based on defined selection criteria.

• The service provider selected will be responsible for assisting 13 startups after the training session.
• The service provider will have to assist each of the 13 startups in an online one-on-one clinic. 
• The service provider is asked to share with MDSF a clear assessment of each startup post the online clinics. 
• The service provider should be willing to coordinate with MDSF, for the development of the proposed services.
• The service provider should be willing to coordinate with MDSF, for the development of the proposed services.
• The service provider will train startups on how to segment their customers, define what problems they are facing, and build their solutions. Startups will learn to develop their unique value propositions. 

1. A short introduction to the fundamentals of customer discovery theory: pain points, assumptions, Jobs-to-be-done, pains, and gains.
2. What does a persona look like? How do we recognize their characteristics? And most importantly how do we segment them?
3. Teaching the startups that Customer Discovery and Experimentation is a recursive process developed to understand the customers’ needs, before proceeding.
4. Define what they need to validate, and how to validate their riskiest assumptions (Qualitatively: customer validation, how to run interviews with the audience, tips on how to formulate questions …)

• Clinics: Customer Validation Clinic – Value proposition canvas, characteristics of their target customers, and the interview script.

Expected Deliverables:

• Sessions outlined activities and learning materials for each of the five main topics.
• Engaging and interactive workshop sessions that cater to the learning needs of rural youth and encourage active participation.
• Support materials, such as templates and resources, for participants to use during and after the workshops.
• Guidance on selecting and utilizing appropriate tools and techniques for concept initiation in the specified domains (agrifoodtech, and cleantech).
• Final report to be submitted to Michel Daher Social Foundation, including participant feedback and progress.

Qualification:

• Extensive experience in facilitating similar workshops, preferably in rural or community settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in agrifoodtech, and cleantech concepts, and a keen understanding of the associated challenges and opportunities.
• Strong background in human-centered design methodologies, with a focus on empathetic problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with and inspire diverse groups of youth.
• Proven track record of fostering innovation, ideally within rural or grassroots contexts.
• Availability to conduct online clinics and 1 day of the workshop at Michel Daher Foundation, Ferzol Bekaa

Selection Criteria 

• The service provider will be selected based on:
• The proposal suggested and fits the program’s objectives.
• The bio, proven track records, and experience in the field are required.