For all intents and purposes, the Start-Up Nation has really been “The Start-Up City.”And while Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, there is no doubt that to the outside world Tel Aviv is the center of industry.

But in the bold move to bring the entrepreneurial spirit to the home-base of spirituality, Levy Raiz, a young Oleh, is pushing for change, and he wants to help foster an emerging start-up community within Jerusalem. To this end, Raiz recently opened the doors of the Jerusalem Start-Up Hub, which serves as a start-up incubator helping to give fledgling businesses the tools and exposure they need to expand within Jerusalem. Raiz is currently working with 10 start-ups and is in the process of sifting through more than 30 interested candidates before opening his door to new members of the Hub.

“Young companies rely on us to help them to thrive in the early stages of their growth,” stated Raiz. “We foster talented and creative entrepreneurs and help them turn an idea into a company. Through the Hub, we provide advice, offer a suite of back-office services and give them exposure and introduction to capital they would otherwise have no way of reaching.

Low rent:

Eligible candidates receive use of the facilities for a minimal per person fee for the time they remain in the Hub, thereby eliminating a significant expense.

Free services:

The Hub has worked to sign up Network Partners which make many services available including Technology, Legal, Accounting, HR, Hosting and Design to name a few. International companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Deloitte, Deutsche Telecom and Ernst & Young have already signed on to what they see as an incredible marketing opportunity.

Mentorship:

The Hub has recruited an advisory board whose members have many years of experience in venture capital. They provide invaluable advice and contacts to help member companies develop past the initial crucial stage.

Funding:

The Hub is associated with a number of venture funds who are searching for opportunities to fund exciting new companies. The Hub serves as a trusted liaison between both parties, with investors (both domestic and foreign) using The Hub’s pre-screening as an initial vetting for interesting investments.

Presently, the Hub also operates as a co-working facility where individuals or companies that require part-time space and services can rent space by the hour, day week or month. Located in the center of town, local and foreign businesses alike utilize the hub as a professional office space, with foreigners signing up for a conducive place to get in a day’s work while visiting Jerusalem for vacations.

And the movement is catching the eyes of capitalists and politicians alike. As Raiz looks to break through the wall between Jerusalem-based start-up companies and the investors (both Israeli and foreign) that could help them succeed, he’s caught the eye of some interested parties. Nir Barkat, the Mayor of Jerusalem, and Naftali Bennett have reached out to him to express interest in helping the Jerusalem community develop commercial opportunities. In addition, he has established relationships with such universities as Jerusalem College of Technology, The Technion, Ben-Gurion, Hebrew University and others. He also is in discussions with the Jerusalem Development Authority and the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

The Hub is presently accepting applications for acceptance to the Hub. Candidates should contact Raiz at Levy_jerusalemstartuphub.com.