Stories

These participant profiles reflect more than 3,000 entrepreneurs the Near East Foundation (NEF) has supported in Lebanon through its work with the US Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM) and local partners, including Hadatha, arcencial, and Sanabel el Nour, to build resilience among Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese. Mona Ahmad Nasser Food Processing Mona …

Participant Profiles: Attending Trainings to Develop New Skills Read More »

The Near East Foundation (NEF) has worked continuously in Jordan since 1937, focused on vocational training, micro-finance, and rural development. With more than 200 local community group connections, we understand that strong partnerships are key to progress. When we set out to launch a community revolving loan fund in Jordan in 2019, we knew that …

Tamam: From Cooking for Friends and Neighbors to Launching a Home Business Read More »

The Near East Foundation (NEF) has worked continuously in Jordan since 1937, focused on vocational training, micro-finance, and rural development. With more than 200 local community group connections, we understand that strong partnerships are key to progress. When we set out to launch a community revolving loan fund in Jordan in 2019, we knew that finding the right …

Suhair Thani Almaaz: Adapting Business to Meet Customer Demand Read More »

The Near East Foundation (NEF) has worked continuously in Jordan since 1937, focused on vocational training, micro-finance, and rural development. With more than 200 local community group connections, we understand that strong partnerships are key to progress. When we set out to launch a community revolving loan fund in Jordan in 2019, we knew that …

Thamer Saleh Abu Tayeh: Overcoming Pandemic Challenges Read More »

Morocco’s Marrakech-Safi region is a hub of creativity and innovation, yet many young entrepreneurs struggle to turn their passions into profitable businesses. They often lack formal business training and are unsure where to access needed support. Without insight into how to best market their products and services, access financing and networks, and develop strong business …

Catalyzing Creative Business Ideas in Morocco Read More »

Nadra was born in Lebanon as a Palestinian refugee more than 30 years ago. She has built a life outside the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, where she attended a United Nations Relief and Works Agency School for Palestinian refugees. Married at just 13 years old, Nadra now has four children ranging in age from …

Participant Profile: Nadra Read More »

Yousef Hassan is a 26-year old Lebanese husband, father, and entrepreneur. Before starting a small mobile phone business, he struggled to find a good job. Physical and speech-related handicaps kept a stable income seemingly out of reach, and he relied on his parents for their support. Entrepreneurship presented its own challenges. Although Yousef was working …

Participant Profile: Yousef Hassan Read More »

Once a regional leader in agricultural production, Syria has been deeply impacted by conflict and by a changing climate. Millions of people have been displaced, which has left Syria’s agricultural sector in disrepair. Farmers like Mustafa* have found themselves unable to afford the inputs they need to cultivate their land. For the past five years, …

Syrian farmers are rebuilding with support from NEF Read More »