Glocal Shift has launched Gaza Stars, a six-month startup competition and entrepreneurship program designed to support 300 entrepreneurs in Gaza to launch or rebuild their businesses. This is the first startup competition in Gaza since October 2023, offering training, mentorship, and seed funding.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Startup Competition & Program
- For: Entrepreneurs in Gaza
- Key Benefits: Training, Mentorship, and Seed Funding up to $7,000
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
- Location: Gaza
Competition Overview
Gaza Stars is a six-month program created by GlocalShift to support Gaza’s economic recovery through local enterprise. The program is structured around two distinct tracks to meet the needs of Gaza’s diverse entrepreneurial community. Participants will move from an idea to an investment-ready business through intensive training, mentorship, and pitching events.
- Recovery Track (Track A): Designed for founders who operated a business prior to the conflict and wish to rebuild their operations, re-enter the market, and restore their income sources.
- Innovation Track (Track B): Open to aspiring entrepreneurs with a new idea that addresses an urgent post-war need, with no formal business experience required.
Key Benefits
- An intensive one-month bootcamp covering business fundamentals, financial planning, market re-entry strategies, and pitch development.
- One-to-one mentorship sessions with Palestinian trainers and diaspora mentors.
- Seed funding of up to $7,000 for the top finalists in each track.
- Post-competition support including ongoing mentorship, investor introductions, and legal and financial guidance.
Eligibility Criteria
- Track A (Recovery Track): Applicants must provide evidence of a pre-war business, such as registration documents, client records, or a digital presence.
- Track B (Innovation Track): Applicants must submit a compelling business concept addressing a post-war need. No formal business experience is required.
- Applications are welcome from all sectors. Women, young people, persons with disabilities, and displaced populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Prizes and Awards
The top five finalists in each of the two tracks will receive seed funding. The total prize pool amounts to $36,000.
- First Place: $7,000
- Second Place: $5,000
- Third Place: $3,000
- Fourth Place: $2,000
- Fifth Place: $1,000
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the official application portal. The application window will close at midnight on June 7, 2026.
Click here to apply.
About Glocal Shift
Glocal Shift is an organization focused on supporting Gaza’s economic recovery through local enterprise. The Gaza Stars program is part of its “Learning to Earning” initiative, delivered in partnership with the Abdulaziz Al Ghurair Education Fund, which aims to equip young people across the Arab region with the skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Learn More: Gaza Stars
