April 10, 2025 – Pocatello, Idaho
Ben Davidson of the Pocatello Rotary Club has been awarded the prestigious Citation for Meritorious Service by The Rotary Foundation. The award was presented by Foundation Chair Ben Nelson of the Burley Rotary Club during a recent meeting of the Pocatello club.
Davidson was recognized for his leadership on the club’s International Service Committee and his work as chair of the Entrapov Project—short for Entrepreneurs Against Poverty. The initiative empowers aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa through a 12-week business training course offered free of charge. Participants who complete the course are invited to pitch their business ideas to a local Rotary Club in their home country. Promising entrepreneurs are then referred to Entrapov’s game-style pitch program, where they present their business plans to a panel of Rotarians from Idaho’s District 5400.
The panel—modeled after the popular “Shark Tank” format—awards $1,000 startup microloans to viable and impactful business ideas. To date, the Entrapov Project has helped launch over 80 businesses across Africa, transforming lives through self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.
“The Citation for Meritorious Service is one of Rotary’s highest recognitions,” said Nelson. “It is given to only a few individuals each year who demonstrate outstanding dedication to the mission of The Rotary Foundation.”
Davidson responded with humility: “I am honored to receive this award and grateful for the support of the many Rotary Clubs in District 5400. Together, we are changing lives across the globe.”
Rotary clubs interested in learning more about Entrapov can request a free, no-obligation presentation. Ben Davidson is available to visit clubs and answer questions about how to get involved.
Ben can be reached at davibenji@gmail.com or by phone at +1 (208) 244-4786.
