OUR STORY
Work In Progress (WIP) is a programme that started in 2022, under the patronage of the NGO Pro Terra Sancta, with the goal of supporting Lebanon. But how does it do that? Essentially, by selecting, training, and funding young entrepreneurs who lack the resources and experience to grow their startups.
The approach is simple yet innovative: after aspiring project owners present their startup ideas in Beirut, a team of Italian and Lebanese experts carefully analyzes each proposal to assess its potential for development.
So far, around thirty projects have been launched, but there’s a bigger, more ambitious vision behind all this: to create a community among these new ventures and foster connections with Italian and European companies.
Those who join the project—called “Wippers”—do receive financial support, partly as a grant and partly as a loan. But they also benefit from a thorough 18-month training and support program, which helps them not only technically but also psychologically. Each entrepreneur is guided by a Lebanese coach and an Italian tutor, working together to facilitate their entrepreneurial activities.
Despite many challenges, the project kicked off in 2022 and continued to grow, solidifying in 2023 with a second edition. While the first Lebanese entrepreneurs’ projects were just beginning, others were identified and supported along the way.
A TEAM OF FRIENDS
A group of managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals, who have come together in collaboration with Pro Terra Sancta, form an Advisory Board that oversees every stage of the process alongside the Beirut team.
The candidates must be between 20 and 35 years old and present a project that, with proper support, has a real chance to stand on its own feet. Some focus more on the entrepreneurial aspect, while others lean towards social initiatives, but all are evaluated and supported based on the same principles: charity disguised as business is not the goal. Instead,
they passionately and competently analyze people and their projects to combine entrepreneurial spirit with a genuine desire to help others.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF WIP
Work In Progress has developed a business philosophy that is gradually changing lives—not only for those starting their own entrepreneurial journeys but also for those who draw energy and motivation from the work of others.
This achievement is one of the most important milestones WIP has reached during these very challenging years.
Today, in Beirut, many people know that there’s a team working in the city—composed of both Lebanese and Italians (some who have come specifically for this project or are connected online)—who genuinely care about the future of the country.
They’re ready to offer not just money, but also enthusiasm and expertise.
PROJECTS
Let’s discover the genesis and the main players of some of the startups that were born or refined thanks to the collaboration between young Lebanese entrepreneurs and the WIP team.
News & Press
ADVISORY BOARD
Here is the team of professionals who oversee WIP projects
Daniele Sacco
COORDINATOR
Human Resources and Organization Director at Mondadori Group, Coordinator of the WIP Program.
Mario Mauro
With an extensive political background (having served as Senator, Member of the European Parliament, and Minister of Defense from 2013 to 2014), he currently chairs the Meseuro Study Center and oversees WIP institutional relations at the European and Lebanese levels.
Mario Sala
Partner at Praxis Management, a Milan-based consulting firm primarily engaged with Made in Italy companies, he acts as a tutor for several WIP projects, fostering the development of a community among young Lebanese entrepreneurs.
Stefano Zoia
Entrepreneur and manager in the digital sector, with over twenty years of experience across Italy, Switzerland, and the Middle East. At WIP, he focuses on technology startups and issues related to digitalization.
Amal Baghdadi
An architect, she was born in Lebanon but has been living in Italy since 1989. Always on the front line to help her country, she founded in Brescia (where she lives) the association 'La speranza,' which is dedicated to providing medicines and funds for Lebanon.
Samer Alameen
Lebanese architect and designer, living and working between Milan and Beirut. In addition to supporting WIP projects, he is a partner and Creative Director of Beirut Design Week.
Guendalina Sassoli De Bianchi
Graduated in International Affairs in the United States, she has been involved in fundraising for nonprofit organizations since 1993. She served as director of Amref Health Africa for 15 years and now chairs the association We Care.
Silvia Bocci
Chartered accountant and founder of SB Consulting, she oversees the WIP program projects from a financial perspective.
Andrea Fumagalli
Human Resources Manager for a logistics company, he recently joined WIP after volunteering experiences with the Banco Alimentare Foundation and Caritas.
Marco Piuri
Graduated in Economics from the Catholic University of Milan, he has gained extensive experience as a Senior Executive in the infrastructure, mobility, and regulated markets sectors in Italy and Europe. He is the chairman of the Banco Alimentare ETS Foundation.
Anna Ida Russo
Entrepreneur in the logistics sector, since 2016 she has been committed to providing aid to Syrian refugees. This mission later led her to found the volunteer organization Ohana in 2020.
Stefano Rampinelli
Graduated in Economics, he has worked as a consultant and now focuses on technology and payments at Mastercard. He has previously collaborated with the Banco Alimentare Foundation.
Eliano Lodesani
Former Chief Operating Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo, he now works as an entrepreneur in the arts and culture sector with the company Formules, which he founded.
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