Nefesh B'Nefesh launches initiative to support entrepreneurial immigrants

The opportunity is open to olim from North American and UK, who have immigrated to Israel through the aliya organization.

By TAMARA ZIEVE
Updated: SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 00:14
233 US and Canadian Olim Land in Israel with Nefesh B’Nefesh (photo credit: KKL-JNF)
233 US and Canadian Olim Land in Israel with Nefesh B’Nefesh
(photo credit: KKL-JNF)
Nefesh B’Nefesh said Sunday it is launching an “Initiative for Zionist Innovation” to support new immigrants who are seeking to create social change or pursue business innovation “in the spirit of Zionism.”
“Zionist activists and innovators have changed the face of Jewish history over the last 120 years,” the aliya organization said. “Nefesh B’Nefesh is seeking the next generation of leaders and innovators looking to change the face of Zionism and Israel.”
Nefesh B’Nefesh hopes to encourage new immigrants with a passion for contributing to the Zionist story to pursue their creative ideas in business and social innovation, with the goal of improving Israel and Israeli society as a whole.
Successful candidates may be eligible for a financial grant to assist in actualizing their projects, as well as marketing support and use of Nefesh B’Nefesh spaces throughout the country.
Nefesh B’Nefesh facilitates aliya from North America and the UK, and the initiative is limited to olim from these countries who have made or are making aliya through the organization.
Candidates will be asked to submit a basic business plan, their professional resume and a mission statement for their initiative. The selected candidates will be asked to “pay it forward” by providing opportunities and mentoring sessions to other Nefesh B’Nefesh olim.
“The Initiative for Zionist Innovation was created in order to empower olim to take their creative ideas, through social and business innovation, and transform them into reality.
We would like to help and support olim who are making a difference for themselves, their peers and community in Israel,” Nefesh B’Nefesh executive vice president Zev Gershinsky said. “Inspired by early Zionists, coupled with the resources of today, our new Initiative hopes to impact Israel’s future.”
Candidates will be chosen by a committee of distinguished business and social innovators from within the immigrant community in Israel.
Applications will be accepted until October 25. Successful candidates will be announced by December 3.
The initiative is a joint venture with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund and Avram and Sharon Blumenthal and family.