Bank of Palestine

The AVPE board met with several organizations that funded the 2015 startup of AVPE operations in Palestine. We also met with businesses that are involved in being linked to Americans. We had the opportunity to interact with leaders and middle managers of these Palestinian organizations.

To say that we are impressed is an understatement. We saw polished presentations and handouts that were among the most effective that we have ever seen - anywhere. In addition, the presenters were able to engage in discussion and respond to challenging questions on the fly.

In spite of the violence taking place throughout the Palestinian territories and the constraints of occupation, these business leaders were optimistic about the potential to build and grow their businesses. They reported achievements that included international awards and credentials. They were upbeat and dynamic. A side benefit for the AVPE directors was all the fresh ideas for programs that supplement and complement the business partnership and positive investment tracks. 

Palestinian Businesses in Linking Process

In late October, the Israeli government delayed issuing permits for travel to a multi-person Palestinian delegation to an Atlanta convention. PALTRADE, the sponsoring organization, two days before the convention began, asked AVPE to locate a local person who could assist the delegation to arrange events and facilitate their connections to others in the American business community. Through AVPE networks we were able to locate a Palestinian businessperson who spoke Arabic and had a large network of business connections in Atlanta.

Also in October one of our directors worked with a friend from the Jewish community to present and participate in a large outsourcing conference in Los Angeles. Our Jewish friend marketed "Outsource to Palestine" and the AVPE director provided the Palestinian story in a compelling and personal manner.

Our AVPE Palestine operation has identified and worked with more than 30 Palestinian businesses who are interested in American linkages. By the end of this year we expect to have more than half of these businesses in various phases of linking to Americans.

We will promote some of the companies by posting the opportunity they offer on the AVPE website. For other companies, the board searches to find partners that meet the needs that they want to fill through an American connection. Those needs or linkages can be for markets, technical expertise, outsourcing, investor dollars or whatever.

We have established a process that we are deploying to better serve American investors so they may consider investment opportunities in Palestine with the same risk-mitigating measures that they view any global investment,

If you would like to be added to the American AVPE network, please send an email to Ed Thompson and indicate your industry background and business connections that might assist AVPE link Americans and Palestinians in the business community.

AVPE Video -Made in Palestine

Early in 2015 before we finalized our AVPE Palestine operations, five Palestinian organizations located in Palestine pledged and then donated $52,000 from their corporate social responsibility funds. This demonstrates to American donors or prospective donors that the Palestinians in Palestine have invested in our efforts.

Over the summer as we gained more experience with the linking process and became more visible in Palestine, we searched for and found ways to make our Palestine operations more cost effective.

We have launched a campaign in the USA to secure significant donations from individuals and company social responsibility funds. When we reach our $50,000 goal, we will be funded until March 1, 2016.

After meeting with several potential funding sources while in Palestine, AVPE is drafting a framework proposal to seek grants and other funding sources for a multi-year period. Our current fundraising campaign permits us to bridge the gap between our start-up phase and this future funding opportunity. 

The proposal will include funding for paid staff in the USA as well as in Palestine in order to effectively deliver the results that we have envisioned. Once funding is secured through this proposal, the board's energy and focus can be invested in strategy, innovation and oversight of the operations.

We will be ending our director sponsored social fundraising campaigns on November 22, 2015. We will participate in Giving Tuesday on December 1 and will be seeking donations as we near the end of the calendar year.

A new fundraising video was developed for the board by a young Palestinian free lance video producer.