Concept initiation Trainer/ idealab program

CONTEXT & BACKGROUND
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 a Concept Initiation 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 a 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 directly after the training session, in one-on-one
offline clinics, with the customer persona.
● The service provider will have to assist the startups online in their one-on-one clinics.

● 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, onboarding startups and training them on how to segment their customers,
define what problem they are facing, and build their solutions. Startups will learn to develop
their unique value propositions. 
● A short introduction to the fundamentals of customer discovery theory: pain points,
assumptions, jobs-to-be-done, pains, and gains.
● What does a persona look like? How do we recognize their characteristics? And, most
importantly, how do we segment them?
● Teaching the startups that Customer Discovery and Experimentation are recursive
processes developed to understand the customers’ needs, before proceeding.
● 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, etc.)
● Develop a solution framework with startups that allows them to address the root
causes, by identifying the core elements of the value proposition and working on how
they can achieve it.
Clinics topics include: Problem tree -Customer Validation Clinic – Value proposition canvas,
characteristics of their target customers, and the interview script.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
● Engaging and interactive workshop session that cater to the learning needs of rural
youth and encourage active participation (including the offline follow up)
● one-hour online one-on-one clinics with each of the 13 startups following the offline
workshop.
● 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

● Applications for this proposal can come from independent trainers/consultants or a
legal entity in Lebanon.
● The applicant should have at least 3 years of previous experience working with startups,
ideally in the agrifoodtech and cleantech sectors, to provide insight into the unique
issues that these companies may encounter.
● The applicant should have significant knowledge and expertise in the business model
canvas, particularly in the agrifoodtech and cleantech industries. They should be able to
assist startups in formulating their own coherent business model.
● The applicant should have hands-on expertise in the agrifoodtech and cleantech sectors,
as well as an understanding of trends, regulations, and obstacles. This will enable them
to provide startups with pertinent and up-to-date information.
● The applicant should have prior experience conducting seminars and clinics, as well as
the ability to convey complicated ideas clearly and concisely. They must be able to
modify their instructional approach to meet the requirements of the startup
participants.
● The applicant should have an entrepreneurial mentality and be familiar with the
obstacles and possibilities that come with starting a business.
● The applicant must be a strong speaker. They should be able to provide constructive and
supportive comments, as well as successfully lead group talks.