Ayalim Entrepreneurs is a 5-month program for Jewish college graduates from around the world. It has sessions beginning twice a year, in October and March. The upcoming sessions are:

Fall: October 3rd 2012 – February 28th 2013

Spring: March 28th 2012 – August 28th 2012

The program has two main objectives:

• To learn about Entrepreneurship – a field in which Israel is recognized as a world leader. An entrepreneurship course will provide participants with tools to think "outside the box," to initiate personal projects, and to realize professional aspirations. The program caters to both experienced entrepreneurs looking to further their knowledge and learn from Israeli experts, as well as young aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to nurture and develop their entrepreneurial skills.
• To join an Israeli student village community and be part of one of the most dynamic and energized movements in Israel. An incubator for innovative ideas and future leaders of Israel. Of course, it’s not all work and no play. There are pub nights, Shabbat meals, desert parties, “building weeks" and other social and cultural events.

In the first month of the program you will take part in an intensive Ulpan (Hebrew language course) as well as attending lectures by experts in a variety of fields that will form the theoretical basis of the entrepreneurship course.

The remaining four months will focus on practical, hands-on experience in the field of entrepreneurship and social action. This will include working on individual and group projects, volunteering and meetings with entrepreneurs, as well as constant mentoring and guidance from Ayalim staff. You will also learn about Judaism and feel the miraculous history of Israel – both in classes and through educational tours, celebrating the Chagim (Jewish Holidays) and by being part of the pace of daily life in Israel.

Israel is known as the “start-up nation" and it is true of Ayalim as well, but with a twist. The end goal of a technology driven concept isn’t just commercial success, it‘s often intertwined with social responsibility. Likewise, projects that revolve around social responsibility are grounded in innovation and fiscal responsibility.

Entrepreneurship Course

The Ayalim Entrepreneurship program facilitates and provides you with entrepreneurial thinking and an innovative approach, tools, knowledge and the expertise you need to start your own business/social initiative. In addition to the academic and theoretical components of the course, you will learn from the creativity, innovation and the Israeli “Huzpa" that has made Israel into a recognized leader in the international business world.
The program will include both theoretical sessions and practical experience in the field. You will gain the tools to build a comprehensive business plan and develop your own business ideas during your stay in Israel. You will also gain familiarity with the Israeli business world, and leading entrepreneurs as well as receive practical business skills.
Through the program you will receive first class lectures in business and marketing and meet business leaders in Israel who will offer you personal guidance as well as their experience, knowledge and vision.

Course Structure

12 weeks of training and actual experience including:

• 6 sessions of four hours a week.
• 5 hours of personal consulting for each participant.

*The above course outline is subject to change and provides a general overview of course components.

Some program highlights:

• Meetings with economists and business people
• Visiting social ventures in Israel in various fields
• Executing an individualized project
• Meeting with representatives of nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs in various fields such as agriculture, tourism, welfare, business and technology
• 13 day trips around the country including hikes and tours to gain a deeper connection to the land, its people, history, and nature
• Visiting Ayalim students' villages in the North and South, and learning about their entrepreneurial work
• Working alongside Ayalim students to expand and improve the student villages
• Construct ecological houses, learn practical building skills and experience the fulfilment of constructing homes with your own hands

Some current and future projects you will be able to take part in include:

Ruach Midbar (“Desert Wind")
Ruach Midbar is a rehabilitative therapeutic community for teenagers and adults with drug and alcohol addictions. It also serves as a centre of correctional services for youth with criminal backgrounds. Established in 2004, it is the first of its kind in the Southern region and therefore addresses an important need in the area. The center is based on a therapeutic community approach where participation in treatment is voluntarily. Ruach Midbar offers residents education, professional training, work experience and life skills. You will have the opportunity to volunteer at the center and assist in building an English educational facility as well as initiating your own programs based on your ideas, expertise and background.

Beer Sheva Old City Student Village (Halutz 33)
Halutz 33 is an interdisciplinary cultural center established by Ayalim in the old city of Beer Sheva. The centre serves as a student village, bar, farmers’ market and concert venue among other functions. Although Beer Sheva is the largest City in the Negev and the main commercial and culture centre, the old city has been neglected for many years. Ayalim believes the area’s unique architectural design and significant charm has great potential to make the neighbourhood a major destination for young people in Israel and abroad.

You will have the opportunity to get involved in the business development of Halutz 33. Under expert guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, you will gain both practical business skills and firsthand experience of how to build and grow a successful business. You will also be a part of developing and expending this center's cultural programs including performances, exhibitions, and more. If you have an idea for an event, this is the venue to make it happen!

Bedouin Primary School in BiraDaj
Ayalim recently initiated a new project involving volunteering with Bedouin children in a nearby school. Ayalim Students conduct weekly educational and recreational activities for the children. Ayalim has also established an educational greenhouse in the school and is helping to renovate and improve the outdoor area around the school. You, along with your Israeli peers can take on the challenge to create fun and educational programs and activities for Bedouin children.

Educational Greenhouse

These greenhouses serve as experiential hands-on educational activity centres inside and outside the classroom that promotes interactive learning and direct contact with the earth, plants and the environment. You will work with the Ayalim students to run educational enrichment on such subjects as: nature, recycling, arts and crafts, and loving the land. In addition to the regular programs, you can also help organize events devoted to upgrading the greenhouse in cooperation with parents, teachers and other school volunteers.

Ofarim Family Centers
The Ofarim family centers are run by Ayalim students – five days a week, during afternoon hours. The center offers social, educational, cultural and learning activities as well as trips, adult workshops, lectures, reading evenings and more for children, students and senior neighbourhood residents. The Ayalim students also tutor children and help them with their schoolwork. Currently, Ayalim operates family centers in all 12 villages where you will have the opportunity to volunteer and get involved in running activities.

Gevanim- “Service Bus" to remote Bedouin areas
In the near future, Ayalim will begin working with the organization, Gevanim, to provide services to Bedouin communities living in isolated parts of the Negev who do not have access to basic services. A bus will be sent once a week with occupational and speech therapists, nurses, social workers and other professionals to assist children and adults in these remote areas. You will have the opportunity to work with Ayalim students and assist in this gratifying work.