Ms. Rana Shanawani is the founder of BIDAYA (Boosting and Inspiring Dynamic Youth Achievement), a Syrian non-profit organization dedicated to providing young, disadvantaged adults with the financial and technical support needed to turn their viable business propositions into successful ventures. BIDAYA teams 1s with volunteer business mentors and provides full access to local and national business support networks. Since 2005, BIDAYA has raised over $800,000 to establish several revolving funds and has supported over 150 start-ups. In 2010, it created four revolving funds specifically for the disabled, environmental businesses, female entrepreneurs, and widows/single mothers/female orphans. BIDAYA is affiliated with several regional associations and has been accredited twice by the Prince of Wales’ Youth Business International.