Mohammad Salem

Participated in networking events to increase visibility and exposure of The Volunteer Circle. Built relationships with local and international NGOs and start-ups that later adopted The Volunteer Circle solutions and services. Built relationships with local and international companies and institutions that facilitated internships and job opportunities to our volunteer talents. Lead the development phase of the Mobile Application as well as the new smart platform along with their disruptive launch campaigns based on observations, gaps in the market and insights. Re-evaluated The Volunteer Circle’s offerings and pricing on a quarterly basis, shared insights with the Executive Team and took necessary actions to scale. Drafted a sustainable revenue model with a capability to cover TVC’s operational expenses and provided a 65% growth opportunity in team recruitment and service offering.

Mapped and identified MSMEs support programs implemented by international and local NGOs in North Lebanon to identify different types of assistance provided (trainings, cash assistance, In-kind assistance, market linkages, ...) Identified the impact of such interventions on MSMEs, by highlighting successful components in addition to lessons learned. Identified services gaps and suggested strategic methods to approach them. Identified key challenges faced by International and local NGOs and MSME’s actual needs through surveys and studies that were conducted. Drafted a detailed report that included recommendations based on the study, and how program managers will be able to provide more detailed / specific / needed services to MSMEs

Reviewed Roof and Roots business model and business plan for their new menstrual hygiene project Advised RnR management on different financial controlling techniques that can be followed after initiating the project. Prepared and delivered training on general topics that RnR management needed support with such as (Marketing, Accounting, Cost Control, Pricing, Sales Channels, Forecasting) Adopted ECAT tool during my training sessions and presented score improvement to ACTED after completing the training. Followed all reporting strategies ACTED suggested to ensure projects effectiveness and monitoring.

Reviewed business models to ensure financial viability and sustainability. Worked closely with the Incubation Coordinator to streamline processes and ensure procurement takes place ethically and effectively with various concerned stakeholders. Ensured that reliable and quality data is being collected as requested by the M&E Specialist. Reported regularly to the Programs Manager and the Incubation Coordinator about different issues and problems faced in order to take immediate actions and making sure the program objectives are being met. Ensured seed funding disbursements and invoices are reconciled every month, and are submitted to Financial Unit.

Developed a training manual aimed at providing information regarding business management in times of crisis that can be transferred to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the Lebanese environment. Conducted a training-of-trainers on business management in times of crisis Provided capacity development support in Economic Recovery to six local NGOs partners. Conducted research on partner NGO’s projects and beneficiaries’ demographics to prepare a specifically tailored manual. Advised NGO’s on different tools and procedures to prepare an MSME’s crisis management training.

Conducted a market research in which the participants are about to launch their businesses in, indicating the feasibility of initiating such businesses in the area, competitor analysis, operations work-flow Market-linkages and the way to how participants should approach the market. Coaching and training participants on business basics and what would be the main skills needed to start a business. Guiding participants on what would be the optimal way to use their grants while launching their businesses.

Developed MSME’s Program supporting 75 MSME’s and 10 Startups from Chatila and Burj Al Barajneh area. Introduced new business development techniques to 180 direct and indirect beneficiaries though trainings and coaching sessions. Worked with each participant to develop their business model and a clear business plan Trained and Coached participants on different business sector topics that every business owner should understand in order to grow their business (Marketing, Accounting, Sales etc..) Designed program implementation strategy while developing a strategy for grant distribution in parallel. Monitored participants improvement in business development through continuous reporting and presenting program advancement to Jafra’s management and WHH (Donor) along to other project stakeholders.

Introduced new business development techniques to 30 participating MSME’s. Worked closely with each participant to develop their own digital marketing plan. Set SMART objectives to grow online leads. Defined digital marketing methods to be invested in and defining the resources required for digital marketing. Introduced each participant to product branding, packaging, and advertising, or pitching their services. Informed each participant of the different marketing techniques, as well as the breakdown of the marketing-related support.

Planed, developed and oversaw the overall business development strategy through designing a full-fledge visibility and marketing strategy that will increase engagements and sales potential, and driving the Online Media Platform of Our Stories in to generate income. Plan for platform's financial success by analyzing the effectiveness of different channels (including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) to check on potential sales leads. Determined key business development KPIs Communicated with potential clients and conducted surveys to gather market-based data. Developed sales strategy and onboarded new customers

Prepared curriculum and training methodology on introducing ICT and Crisis Management to MSME’s business owners. Delivered both trainings to 100 MSME’s owners over the course of 4 days and 60 hours of trainings. Delivered tailored solutions to a sample of the participating businesses while monitoring their engagement with the course’s material. Prepared a final draft report which was later on shared with SC Program manager to assess the training effectiveness.

Prepared Market Research and Sales Strategies for Horae Egypt Clients. Prepared clients market expansion strategies to African Countries Performed data analytics for clients in the F&B industry. Trained client sales team after assessing teams’ skills and preparing a training manual for each department. Consulted different clients on expansion plans and product diversification that led to an increase of 7% in sales.

Conducted weekly meetings with different teams during their incubation period to consult on their business plan. Facilitated weekly Innovation Camp for young entrepreneurs Mentored different teams of young entrepreneurs during their journey at GIL Competition. Supported different teams and individuals in their business planning and strategies.

Drafted a sales strategy for how Hazel can expand their product sales into the markets of Doha and Jeddah. Conducted meetings with different potential clients and managed to close several deals that lead into Hazel expansion to the MENA region. Tracked performance increase for sales which was about 14% annual from previous years. Consulted management on what Qatari and Saudi markets preferred in terms of product to help in product diversification.

Event management for one of the biggest names in the events industry like the Hult Prize, Saudi National Day, BIAF, Entreprenergy, World Cup Fan zone and much more. Provided social media services to brands from different industries (Printing, F&B, Education etc..). Content editing and writing services. Brand awareness and campaigns to drive sales up for companies struggling from online presence. Drove implementation of new market expansion to propel business forward and adapt to market changes. Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.