Establishing the U.S. Palestinian Affairs Unit eHub

Entrepreneurship is not new to the Palestinian territories. However, business people in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza face significant obstacles including limited resources and access to investors and markets abroad, in addition to practical experience in business development and partnerships with individuals who can transfer know-how and expertise. While the energy of Palestinian young entrepreneurs and business people is palpable, navigating current rules and regulations is complex, and access to the larger entrepreneurial eco-system and general support for innovative ideas is lacking. While new small businesses sprout up every day, there is not a sustainable environment to equip entrepreneurs with the tools needed to scale their businesses. Through the establishment of the U.S. PAU eHub as a center to focus on economic, entrepreneurial, and advanced employment skills, the Palestinian Affairs Unit of the U.S. Embassy aims to help young entrepreneurs realize that they can successfully develop their businesses and have a positive impact on their community. The eHub will utilize the networks and convening power of the PAU’s public diplomacy programming—including the ability to gather stakeholders, access to American business expertise, connections to international businesses, American educational tools, and more—to advance the Palestinian entrepreneurial ecosystem by empowering the Palestinian business community.