Mechanical Engineer Rana El Chemaitelly was going through a depression when she decided to go back to school and keep herself busy. It was out of this that The Little Engineer was born. Just over two years later she has been recognised by MIT as one of the Middle East and North Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs, and now she is the Cartier Women's Initiative Laureate for the MENA region for 2011. Time Out Beirut speaks to her about how it all came about and the hurdles women still face in business, even in Lebanon.

How does it feel to win this Laureate?
[With a big smile] It has given us wings to fly. In the last two weeks I've had calls from Saudi, Oman, Kuwait and Dubai. We are actually launching an initiative in Kuwait, in February. Meeting the different women was a great benefit.

As well as the prize money, what have you brought back?
Two products that can be easily implemented here. From other entrants, a toilet that can save up to 83% of water. Also, a blind to go on baby buggies that keeps out the sun and helps them sleep.

What was the competition like?
My toughest competition was fellow Lebanese entrepreneur Nawal Yaghi Fakhry, founder of Nayaghi Banet Taxi service. She has a very serious social impact.

What made you start TLE?
I had my own company in digital photography. I was working throughout the country but when the market saturated I left. I also had three children at home. [Laughing] This is when I went through a severe depression - seriously. So, I joined AUB again to do a Masters in Engineering Management. I graduated, started working there as an instructor and set up TLE.

After 12 years in the business I noticed there was big problem. Students were joining the engineering faculty without a clue as to why they were there. This meant that none of these kids were going to do well at all later on. Then there was my seven-year-old son. He was becoming addicted to video games and becoming very anti-social. The TLE puts kids in a positive environment where they can build skills in science and technology through hands-on learning.

What is your aim?
To bridge the gap between school and university. We have students from six up to 16 years. Now we are working on a programme for up to 18 years. Soon we'll be in Tripoli, Bchamoun, Saida and Jbeil. We're aiming for 13 branches between now and 2013! And, 20 in the region. We have a vision and a mission and we are sticking to our goals.

As an entrepreneur and a female one at that, what advice to you have for others starting out?
Don't fear anything. If you don't have the knowledge and finance, find someone who can help. There can be hurdles for women, even in Lebanon. Some men are very critical and can't accept women excelling. It takes time but you have to impose yourself and just do it.

If you're looking to start up a business, there is no shortage of advice and help out there.

Bader Lebanon www.baderlebanon.com/initiatives/education/mentorship/

YallaStartUp! www.yallastartup.org/