Recruitment
We carefully select 15 promising East Jerusalem-based start-ups through an open application and evaluation process.
Start-up Acceleration programme for Established Entrepreneurs
Join our 60-hour training programme designed to help start-ups in East Jerusalem to consolidate and expand their business ideas after pitching them to investors.
This programme is exclusively open to applicants from East Jerusalem
Deadline: 8-8-2025
About SMILE
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
The SMILE Project empowers the youth of East Jerusalem through practical training, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing employability. By creating opportunities for a brighter and more resilient future, the project promotes an enabling environment for skills development and socioeconomic inclusion. SMILE strengthens the capacities of East Jerusalemites to access the labour market, explore entrepreneurial ventures, and seize opportunities in emerging and growing sectors.
Funded by
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Join the Programme
The SMILE Project offers a startup acceleration programme for established entrepreneurs with registered businesses in East Jerusalem seeking to consolidate and grow.
By the end of the programme, participants will:
- Be investment ready
- Have launched/ registered
- Enhanced their product/ service
- Be well-positioned for market expansion and scalability
What’s included:
- 60 hours of hands-on training in validation, market sizing, pricing, and pitch building
- Personalized mentorship, guest expert sessions, and flexible modules based on startup needs
- Up to 15,000 in cash and in-kind support for the top 15 startups.
- Co-working spaces in Jerusalem and Abu Dis
- Global network of investors and partners
- Access to Fabrication and Technology Labs
How We Work
We follow a structured approach that ensures every start-up gets the support, resources, and guidance needed for growth.
01
02
Training
Participants receive over 60 hours of structured training covering business planning, validation, pricing, and go-to-market strategies.
03
Mentorship
Each start-up is paired with expert mentors and benefits from tailored coaching and networking opportunities with investors and peers.
04
Funding
Up to €15,000 in support is awarded per start-up, combining cash grants and in-kind services to fuel growth and implementation.
05
Showcasing
Graduates pitch their ventures to investors, partners, and stakeholders at the final Demo Day, gaining exposure and growth opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in our programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Inclusion Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Must be a resident of East Jerusalem
- Must have a startups that is market-ready, in the market, or registered in Ministry of National Economy
- Able to commit to the full duration of the programme
- Must be a team of 2 or more Founders
Exclusion Criteria
- Individuals currently enrolled in a similar programme elsewhere
- Applicants who have previously completed this programme
- Incomplete applications or those missing required documentation
- Non-compliance with our code of conduct or participation policies
Innovation in Action: Hackathon Challenge
As part of the SMILE Acceleration programme, the hackathon is where bold ideas meet real-world impact. Participants will collaborate in teams to tackle pressing challenges, develop innovative solutions, and pitch their concepts to expert panels.
Collaborate with peers, mentors, and tech leaders
Access tools, resources, and expert guidance
Compete for prizes and potential funding opportunities
Contact
Need Help? Contact Us
Our Address
BCITE - Jerusalem - Qasr Al-Hamra
BCITE - Al-Quds University - Abu Dis Campus
bcite@alquds.edu