New project set to support established social enterprises, cooperatives, and other Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) entities in Lebanon

Social enterprises, cooperatives, and other impact-driven businesses play an important role in creating jobs, delivering essential services, and supporting communities across Lebanon. Yet, many face barriers to sustainable growth, including limited access to tailored business support and affordable financing needed to strengthen and scale their operations.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with Alfanar Venture Philanthropy and Al Majmoua, is launching BĀDER(بادر) – a new project under the broader PROSPECTS programme funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. BĀDER is designed to bridge the gap between technical support and access to finance by providing tailored technical support and facilitating access to loan financing for 25 established social and solidarity economy enterprises.

Through tailored technical support and access to loan financing, the project will support SSEs to strengthen their operations, build long-term sustainability, and prepare for growth.

Selected SSEs will benefit from tailored business diagnostics, capacity building, one-to-one coaching, governance and financial readiness support, and market access and networking opportunities. They will also access an interest-subsidized loan of up to USD 50,000 through Al Majmoua, subject to financial due diligence. Selected entities will additionally take part in an international study visit.

PROSPECTS is a global partnership that aims to improve the access of host communities and forcibly displaced people to education, social protection and decent work. It brings together the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank to help transform the way in which governments and other stakeholders, including the private sector, respond to forced displacement crises.

Who can apply? Applications are open to:

• An established Social Enterprise, Cooperative, or other Social & Solidarity Economy entity
• Operating for 2+ years
• Officially registered in Lebanon
• Based in North, Bekaa, Mount Lebanon and Beirut

Apply by 27 October in English or Arabic.

Interested applicants are also invited to join an online information session on 27 October, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, where we will provide an overview of the BĀDER Project, explain the eligibility criteria and application process, and answer participants’ questions.

Register for the Information Session

Know someone who would be a good fit? Please share with your networks. We look forward to bringing this project together.