Market Validation 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 the agrifoodtech and cleantech sectors in the Bekaa area. The program also focuses on societal impact by providing business incubation and training to vulnerable youth. 

We are seeking an experienced expert to deliver a 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 a 6-hour session on market validation for 12 startups simultaneously. Those startups were selected by Berytech & MDF based on defined selection criteria.

The service provider selected will be responsible for assisting 12 startups after the training session. 

The service provider will have to assist the startups online in their one on one clinics. 

The service provider is asked to share with MDF a clear assessment of each startup after the online clinics.

The service provider should be willing to coordinate with MDF, for the development of the proposed services.

Get an in-depth insight into their target customer segments and the solutions they provide. They will explore their target market, size, competitor analysis, and interviews with potential customers.

Learn to understand customer needs, invest in the right product, enable necessary changes, and provide customer validation to help startups improve their main assumptions. 

Train the startups in identifying, prioritizing, and engaging stakeholders throughout the prototype testing process.

Guiding the startups to discover the target market and get opinions and other feedback from consumers about their interest in the product or service. 

Training the startups on utilizing the information obtained from conducting market research to tailor their marketing/ advertising activities or to determine the priorities of their users.

Helping startups in the process of determining the viability of their new service or product through research conducted directly with potential customers. 

Teach startups the importance of stakeholders as a component of their product/service management and ultimately playing a significant role in their roadmap. 

Clinics: Market Validation Clinic - the trainer will go through their competitor's analysis and market size

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, are available for participants to use during and after the workshops.

Guidance on selecting and utilizing appropriate tools and techniques for design thinking in the specified domains (agrifoodtech and cleantech).

A final report is to be submitted to the Michel Daher Social Foundation, including participant feedback and progress.

Qualifications

Applications for this proposal can be 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 agritech and cleantech sectors, to provide insight into the unique issues that these companies may encounter.

The applicant should have significant knowledge and expertise in market validation, particularly in the agritech and cleantech industries,etc.

The applicant should have hands-on expertise in the agritech 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.