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Project 500

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Helping five hundred diverse entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in Washington, DC
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Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
12 days ago
Proud to be partnering with My Brother's Keeper to host a Pitch Competition for Tech and Tech Enabled Entrepreneurs focused on violence prevention. If you know any potential companies, please tell them to email me there current business summary at melissa@project500.org by midnight, May 31st.
2 likes Reply
Profile picture of Leevonnie Carter
Leevonnie Carter
about 2 months ago
Any good companies? How can I make money as an angel investor?
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Peter Green
Peter Green @leevonnie-carter Hi Leevonnie, re: your question on angel investing, I suggest starting with this great essay by Paul Graham of YCombinator: paulgraham.com/angelinvesting.html
About 2 months ago
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About 2 months ago
Profile picture of Leevonnie Carter
Leevonnie Carter @peter-green Thank you!!
About 2 months ago
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About 2 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley @leevonnie-carter Thank you for reaching out. Angel investors enter this space to provide advice, be engaged in an exciting start up and hopefully make money. You have to decide what is your primary purpose and what do you believe in strongly to invest your money. It is important to note that we do not make specific recommendations. It is fully your responsibility to pick companies to invest it. However, all companies are vetted and we go out of our way to find great startups. Many Project 500 companies are already on their way to funding and you may consider joining with other investors for companies like GoTogether and Bonnti. Good luck and let me know if there is anything we can do to help.
About 2 months ago
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About 2 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
3 months ago
Congratulations to Carpool to School who launched in App Store last night and are headed to SXSW as DC Ambassadors.
4 likes Reply
Profile picture of Carlos Banks
Carlos Banks @melissa-bradley Awesome!
About 1 month ago
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About 1 month ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
3 months ago
On Monday, February 27th we hosted Black Tech Pitch Competition. Our Idea Stage winners were DigitEyez and MobiDox. Our Early Stage winners were Carpool to School and the Cut.
5 likes Reply
Profile picture of Carlos Banks
Carlos Banks @melissa-bradley Any info on The Cut? Sounds interesting...
About 1 month ago
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About 1 month ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley @carlos-banks Thank you for being a part of the community. You can reach Obi of the cut at obi@thecut.co.
About 1 month ago
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About 1 month ago
Profile picture of Carlos Banks
Carlos Banks @melissa-bradley Thank you!
About 1 month ago
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About 1 month ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
3 months ago
Proud of Black Tech Pitch Competition. Here is a reflection on the selection process...medium.com/@mlb84/a-financial-investment-with-a-guaranteed-return-7e15d7663f97#.r4rhrsm4m
A Financial Investment with a Guaranteed Return
What a week! Starting on Monday - continuing on Wednesday and concluding on Friday - I had the pleasure to lead the selection process for the Venture DC Black Tech Pitch Competition. The competition yielded 53 tech companies from DC, run... Read more »
Medium · Melissa Bradley
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
4 months ago
Proud to be reviewing over 45 African American tech entrepreneurs in DC for Venture DC Black Pitch Competition. For more info check out project500.org/black-pitch-competition
Black Pitch Competition
During Black History Month, the Mayor's Office of African American Affairs, Department of Employment Services, Deputy Mayor of Greater Economic Opportunity, and Venture DC will host Venture DC Black Pitch Competition, a pitch competition... Read more »
Venture DC
4 likes Reply
Profile picture of Ken Nguyen
Ken Nguyen Can't wait to join Venture DC Black Pitch Competition on Feb 27. Stop by to say hi if you're in DC that day.
4 months ago
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4 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
4 months ago
Check out our new site at project500.org. Focused on supporting diverse entrepreneurs in DC
Home
Engaging Diverse Changemakers Venture DC Learn More
Venture DC
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Ken Nguyen
Ken Nguyen Love the new look!
4 months ago
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4 months ago
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
4 months ago
US Black Chambers/Liberty Bank #BankBlack Credit Card
prlog.org/12615112-william-michael-cunningham-announces-support-for-usbcliberty-bank-bankblack-credit-card.html

This follows our review of one suspect #BankBlack effort: americanbanker.com/opinion/why-bankblack-falls-short

Further, by popular demand, on January 31, 2017, we will repeat our well received webinar: Trump's Impact on Small, Minority and Women-owned Businesses. See: prlog.org/12614863-repeat-trumps-impact-on-small-minority-and-women-owned-businesses.html
William Michael Cunningham announces support for USBC/Liberty Bank #BankBlack Credit Card
William Michael Cunningham announces support for USBC/Liberty Bank #BankBlack Credit Card. As the US Black Chambers noted, "#BankBlack is the single most powerful economic movement currently taking place in Black America. Now is the time... Read more »
PRLog · Creative Investment Research, Inc.
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Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
4 months ago
US Black Chambers/Liberty Bank #BankBlack Credit Card
prlog.org/12615112-william-michael-cunningham-announces-support-for-usbcliberty-bank-bankblack-credit-card.html
William Michael Cunningham announces support for USBC/Liberty Bank #BankBlack Credit Card
William Michael Cunningham announces support for USBC/Liberty Bank #BankBlack Credit Card. As the US Black Chambers noted, "#BankBlack is the single most powerful economic movement currently taking place in Black America. Now is the time... Read more »
PRLog · Creative Investment Research, Inc.
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Chuck Pettid
Chuck Pettid
5 months ago
Check out the new Project 500 site and collaboration with Venture DC. venturedc.squarespace.com/project-500
Project 500
Capitalizing on the historic levels of economic development activity in the nation's capital Project 500 works with businesses to help them leverage the investments being made in DC by preparing them - personally and professionally - for... Read more »
Venture DC
1 like Reply
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
5 months ago
BOOK LAUNCH! 1/11/2017. Cove Chinatown. The JOBS Act: Second Edition Crowdfunding Guide meetup.com/DC-Equity-Crowdfunding-Meetup/events/236556600
The JOBS Act: Second Edition Crowdfunding Guide
Apress is releasing the second edition of The JOBS Act: Crowdfunding Guide to Small Businesses and Startups, and we want to celebrate in a special way, so we're hosting a book launch party combined wi
Meetup
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Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
6 months ago
Proud to announce the winners of the 2016Venture DC Pitch Competition: Testify, an edtech company run by HS students; Power Lives, a JV focused on first responder market and access to long term, healthy power supply; and Mully Lingua, an online language learning platform that produces cultural immersion activities for kids.
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
6 months ago
See: Four DC businesses use crowdfunding in support of innovative projects! slideshare.net/wmcunningham/nov-18-dc-crowdfunding-challenge-press-41867326

Video on the DC Crowdfunding Challenge: youtu.be/r3Z5KPDvKlU

Of course, we are still waiting for the final payment from our project with DC: nationalcrowdfunding.blogspot.com/2014/07/ncs-selected-as-crowdfunding-advisor-to.html
Four DC businesses use crowdfunding in support of innovative projects!
NCS Launches Four Crowdfunding Campaigns on One Night!
SlideShare · William Michael Cunningham, AM, MBA
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
6 months ago
Venture DC is hosting a Pitch Competition on 12/9/16 for Project 500 participants. We hope you can attend; more info at  venturedc-conference-2016-12-09.eventbrite.com. As fellow investors, I welcome any tips we can share with our presenting companies as they prepare to pitch for money and in-kind contributions.
Venture DC: Engaging Diverse Change Makers - 2nd Annual Conference
DC is rapidly transforming into a prominent East Coast hub of technology and innovation. A majority of the current activity is consolidated in the Northwest city corridor, leaving out key stakeholders and necessary voices with diversity ... Read more »
Eventbrite
1 like Reply
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
7 months ago
Impact of Trump's election on small, minority, women-owned businesses. Creative Investment Research, Inc. Monday, November 28, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EST). RSVP at: eventbrite.com/e/impact-of-trumps-election-on-small-minority-women-owned-businesses-tickets-29288339211
Impact of Trump's election on small, minority, women-owned businesses
Markets did not anticipate, and price in, expected policy changes from this election, since most economic models gave a Trump victory such a low probability of occurrence. Having stated on June 11, 2016 that "our initial 2016 Election Fu... Read more »
Eventbrite
1 like Reply
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
7 months ago
Please see our: Minority and Women-owned Company Small Business Financing Guide and Workbook: minorityfinance.com/mfinform1.html
1 like Reply
Profile picture of SHASHI KANTH
SHASHI KANTH The vision of empowering every salaried individual with actionable money skills. If you want to put a good financial in place, a simple way to find out is savings to help your utility bills, grocery, children's school fees, shopping, medical expenses and eating out with other requirements.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley William, thank you for sharing. Can you resend link as the one provided does not work.
6 months ago
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6 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Shashi, the role of alternative credit scores based on how working individuals make financial decisions is a big step but work still needs to be done.
6 months ago
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6 months ago
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham minorityfinance.com/mfin/mfinform1.html
6 months ago
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6 months ago
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham Please see our: Minority and Women-owned Company Small Business Financing Guide and Workbook: minorityfinance.com/mfin/mfinform1.html
Minority and Women-owned Company Small Business...
Minority Finance Women and mInority small business financing Guide
Minorityfinance
6 months ago
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6 months ago
Profile picture of Dr. Margaret Hoo-Ballade
Dr. Margaret Hoo-Ballade
7 months ago
Since joining Project 500 I have partnered with another company -Sondai, to develop and pilot a training & development program based on design theory that improves the lives of citizens living in under-served communities. Our team is highly motivated by the social justice mission of Project 500. We live in perilous times.
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Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Welcome aboard. It is great to have you as part of the group. It is good to see partnerships being formed to help scale more effectively in our communities.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Steven Rodriguez
Steven Rodriguez The link is not working.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Moussa Aquil
Moussa Aquil
7 months ago
Looks like a great start; We should discuss building an investment base through cross-pollinating with other groups (meetups, etc) having interest in your industry
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Great idea. We will be coordinating with others on Republic as well as offline groups. Feel free to share recommendations for groups and events.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Steven Rodriguez
Steven Rodriguez Maybe a small monthly group to discuss and vet options for informed decisions would interest some?
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley I like this idea; thank you! We will be hosting a pitch competition on December 9th and hosting office hours in advance. Let me know what the content should be for the monthly group.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Moussa Aquil
Moussa Aquil The small monthly group idea is a good one; since most minority-owned companies have limited access to finance and attracting investors, sciences like marketing and branding can be explored.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
7 months ago
Please join DC Equity Crowdfunding Meetup - meetup.com/DC-Equity-Crowdfunding-Meetup
DC Equity Crowdfunding Meetup
What, exactly, is Crowdfunding? Crowdfunding is "open source" financing. Individuals come together to support, via small donations or investments, a person, project or product. This technique is imple
Meetup
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Neta Vaught
Neta Vaught
7 months ago
I do apologize my last post I didn't include my website. I would like to share with many of you. My website is netavaught.com
Neta Vaught
Reconnecting is a program run by Neta Vaught. Our focus is on helping people to become free of hurt, doubt, and fears that come from depression and other mental health disorders. We are here to say, that it is okay to get help and voice ... Read more »
Netavaught
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Neta Vaught
Neta Vaught
7 months ago
Hello my name is Neta Vaught. My Company is Reconnecting Our Communities L.L.C. I've turned my pain into purpose to bring better resources for behavioral health. Stopping stigmas and giving tool to others on overcoming Mental Illness. Also, my partner Dr. Astril Webb of Healthy Kinder Inc. conducts trainings to certify the community, organization and families as Youth/ Adult Mental Health first Aid 3 year National Certifications.
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Sowande Tichawonna
Sowande Tichawonna
7 months ago
Hello. I'm Sowande Tichawonna and my company, RMTAP, produces and distributes original content by and about people of color across all digital platforms.
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Darius Baxter
Darius Baxter
7 months ago
We're Ready - GOODPartners
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Robert DeWitty
Robert DeWitty
7 months ago
Hi. My name is Robert DeWitty, and my company and team are AppEngines. We develop web-based, data-driven applications, where users get the advantage of data through user-friendly customizable GUIs. We've enjoyed our experience with Project 500, including the classes, the notes and information sent out by Melissa and her team, and now, our ability to work within the WeWork space in D.C. We def. look forward to the future. Thanks Project 500. R.
2 likes Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Pleasure to have as part of Project 500. We look forward to your continued success.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Steven Rodriguez
Steven Rodriguez
7 months ago
Excited for this new initiative!! Looking forward to see how it develops :)
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Thrilled to have you
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Tempie Satcher
Tempie Satcher
7 months ago
Hello! How are you? I am a natural hair stylist and educator.i am also the founder of two successful natural hair expo called DC's Love Locs Expo and Nappy-Oke karaoke Hair Show! I am very glad to be a part of this wonderful group. Thank you. :)
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Welcome. Glad to have you
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of William Cunningham
William Cunningham
7 months ago
I thought I would send you some references to the crowdfunding materials we have posted. Here is the link to our second edition book on crowdfunding: apress.com/us/book/9781484224083

Other Crowdfunding Articles and News:

Four DC businesses use crowdfunding in support of innovative projects!

For more, please see: slideshare.net/wmcunningham/nov-18-dc-crowdfunding-challenge-press-41867326

Video on the DC Crowdfunding Challenge: youtu.be/r3Z5KPDvKlU
The JOBS Act - Crowdfunding Guide for Small | William Michael Cunningham | Apress
The second edition of this book shows how full implementation of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act by the SEC in 2016 enables entrepreneurs...
Apress
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Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Thank you William for leading the way and sharing this important info.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Tiffany Norwood
Tiffany Norwood
7 months ago
Happy to be a part of the community!
0 Like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley Thrilled to have your expertise!
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Christal Jackson
Christal Jackson
7 months ago
Very happy to join this new community!
2 likes Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley We are so happy to have you. Your leadership in the space of supporting diverse entrepreneurs is greatly appreciated and we welcome your insight.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Alton Turner
Alton Turner Very happy to be here as well!!
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Ken Nguyen
Ken Nguyen
7 months ago
What are some DC-based companies that you like or think are solid examples for new entrepreneurs?
1 like Reply
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley I am pleased to say that we had one of our companies, Mully Lingua, be selected for the Uber Pitch competition today. She is launching a multilingual training program for parents to provide culturally competent and authentic language immersion experiences for their children. We also have tech and tech enabled companies leveraging DC open data for housing, as well as content providers leveraging online outlets and auxiliary devices to stream originally culturally competent content from the Diaspora.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
7 months ago
As we conclude the training and mentorship of our first cohort of entrepreneurs, what are your top three critical success factors that you would like us to diligence for you?
3 likes Reply
Profile picture of Ken Nguyen
Ken Nguyen To run a successful Republic offering, the top three factors we look at are (1) whether the team is strong and motivated; (2) whether there's a genuine, relatable mission behind the business; and (iii) whether the team is ready to commit substantial time to prepare for and execute a crowd engagement campaign.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Christal Jackson
Christal Jackson The three most important factors are (1) is the idea/business scalable, (2) can the infrastructure support the idea/business and (3) is the team diverse.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Nancy SantiagoNegron
Nancy SantiagoNegron 1. Is the business model scalable/sustainable. 2. Has the core team assessed their strengths and weaknesses (i.e., is the right team in place? What is the plan to address the weaknesses identified?). 3. What is the exit exit plan?
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Harold Pettigrew
Harold Pettigrew (1) Ditto on scalability/sustainability comments, but also with clarity on real growth projections, (2) pre-mortem analysis (think now about if business is not successful), and (3) command of the numbers and drivers for growth.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Melissa Bradley
Melissa Bradley
7 months ago
Welcome to Project 500! We look forward to curating a portfolio of diverse entrepreneurs from the DC metropolitan area and providing investors with companies that have completed our training and mentorship program, as well as those that successfully advanced through our diligence process and who are on a clear path to growth and scale. Help us help you! What are the most important qualities you are seeking in a diverse company who is seeking to scale?
3 likes Reply
Profile picture of Ken Nguyen
Ken Nguyen Honored and excited to join hands with Project 500!
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Art Stevens
Art Stevens Commitment and energy of the team, focus on the customer and a way to differentiate'
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Christal Jackson
Christal Jackson The most important quality is a connection to the community.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Nancy SantiagoNegron
Nancy SantiagoNegron Most important qualities: attention and adaptability. Are they paying attention to their numbers and their customers? How? Are they responsive and ready to adjust when needed?
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Alton Turner
Alton Turner I think that drive to get the job done and being prepared is most important. Many of he small businesses that we have funded impressed us the most by their drive and responsiveness.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
Profile picture of Harold Pettigrew
Harold Pettigrew (1) financial capability (understanding of the financial life of the business), (2) desire to benefit the community they may come from, but focus unwavering on profitability of business, (3) and, solid team with alignment of strengths/weaknesses of each partner, growth strategy, and exit plan.
7 months ago
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7 months ago
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About the group

Project 500 will help five hundred diverse entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in Washington, DC grow in revenue and size over the next three years​.​ We are currently engaged with over 200 business and are in the midst of curating a portfolio of diverse entrepreneurs from the DC metropolitan area who are poised for growth. We look forward to providing investors with companies that have completed our rigorous training and mentorship program, as well as those that have successfully advanced through our diligence process and who are on a clear path to scale​.


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Melissa Bradley

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BetterBacksTherapy Therapy
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Mahmoud DEKKAR
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