45 Egyptian SMEhave been selected to be part of the PLATO project will participate in 10 small workshops to discuss their experience and improve their management. The SME’s will divided in groups, and assigned 2 mentors each (the mentors are large companies having a positive image with the general public) and receive a capacity building advices: they will be given the opportunity to discuss various aspects of their businesses and exchange their experiences. A network of SME where experiences are exchanged, and entrepreneurs receive a professional management education, under the guidance of mentors, will be therefore created. Sufficient attention will be paid to reach and include SME owned by woman or minority groups. Monthly meeting will take place all over the year.

A team building session gathering mentors and SMEs will be organised in Egypt from October 27 to 28, 2009.  During this team building participants learn to know each other and determine the topics that will be discussed during the monthly meetings.