SSS Podcast Series in Lebanon to spotlight the real stories behind entrepreneurship
As part of the EU-funded From Innovation to Creation programme, SPARK partnered with the Darwazah Center at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to launch the SSS Podcast Series. The aim was clear: to create space for entrepreneurs to reflect on their journey, learn from others facing similar challenges, and access insights rooted in lived experience.
Lebanon’s start-up ecosystem is shaped by both resilience and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs operate within a volatile economic environment, limited access to capital, and ongoing infrastructural constraints. Yet within this context, many are finding ways to build, adapt, and lead. The podcast series offers more than a showcase of success. It provides an honest look at what it takes to grow a business in Lebanon today.
Across six episodes, the series brings together entrepreneurs, experts, and business leaders to explore topics such as growth strategy, branding, design thinking, financial management, and innovation. Together, these conversations form a valuable learning resource for those navigating similar paths.
Below is a short summary of each episode to offer a glimpse into the themes explored, but the full value lies in listening to the conversations firsthand.
Ep. 1: The Growth Journey of Kids Airline
Kids Airline introduces a unique approach to paediatric dentistry, creating a child-centred experience that responds to both market demand and social need. The episode explores how the business identified early challenges and used them to refine its operations and strategy. Rather than chasing rapid growth, the team emphasises deliberate, step-by-step progress. Their story highlights the importance of recognising limitations early and responding with careful, informed choices.
Ep. 2: Sales, Marketing, and Branding with Eddress
Sales and branding are not just about visibility; they are about trust, strategy, and alignment with customer values. This episode explores how Eddress and guest experts use storytelling, customer advocacy, and B2B marketing tactics to build engagement. It dives into the details of designing frictionless user experiences, integrating social media organically, and adapting strategies to SaaS models. What emerges is a broader reflection on how companies in Lebanon can scale without losing sight of what makes them relevant to their audiences.
Ep. 3: Game Development & Publishing with Yayy
The Lebanese gaming industry is full of potential, but as this episode shows, it also demands adaptability. Yayy’s CEO discusses how game developers navigate challenges including limited funding, rapid technological shifts, and market fragmentation. The episode goes beyond creativity to explore business fundamentals – how companies manage cash flow, assess growth strategies, and use gamification not only as a product feature but also as a marketing and engagement tool. The discussion reflects how innovation in gaming can serve as a model for SMEs in other sectors.
Ep. 4: Mastering Financial Management with L’Artisan du Liban
Finance is often treated as a technical detail, but this episode frames it as a core component of sustainable entrepreneurship. With L’Artisan du Liban, the discussion centres on how to align financial planning with a social mission. Topics include budgeting in uncertain environments, reading financial reports, managing cash flow, and deciding between in-house and outsourced accounting. The episode offers a clear, grounded take on what financial management looks like when your goals include both profit and social impact.
Ep. 5: Design Thinking & Growth Strategies with Sarah's Bag
This episode explores how Sarah’s Bag has embedded design thinking into its operations. From production limitations to ethical sourcing and copycat products, the brand faces challenges common to fashion start-ups. Yet it navigates these issues through a focus on quality, customer input, and a strong brand identity. The conversation also touches on the tension between preserving a distinctive style and responding to market shifts. It pushes listeners to think about what meaningful growth looks like for businesses that are both mission-driven and style-focused.
Ep. 6: Strategic Growth & Innovation with Wakilni
Wakilni’s journey from a delivery company to a broader logistics platform is the focus of this episode. CEO Yusr Sabra reflects on her transition from engineering into entrepreneurship and shares how leadership, innovation, and internal culture have shaped the company’s path. Key themes include strategic partnerships, balancing liquidity with profitability, and navigating internal biases. Wakilni’s approach shows that growth is not just about numbers but also about clarity of vision and creating a workplace culture that supports long-term goals.
Learning from Local Realities
The SSS Podcast Series is not a set of one-size-fits-all success stories. It is a series of conversations grounded in the lived experience of building businesses under pressure. The entrepreneurs featured in the podcast are not only sharing what worked—they are reflecting on how they adapted, changed course, and made decisions in difficult circumstances.
In doing so, the podcast becomes more than a communication tool. It becomes part of the ecosystem itself, contributing to the knowledge and collective learning that help local businesses grow. As part of the From Innovation to Creation programme, this initiative reinforces the importance of storytelling, peer exchange, and context-specific strategies in building stronger, more resilient start-up communities.