Jordan stands at an important moment in the development of its entrepreneurship ecosystem. With unemployment at 21.3%, one of the world’s highest levels of water scarcity, and 1.3 million refugees, the need for models that deliver both social and economic value has never been greater.

A new assessment funded by the European Union, under the From Innovation to Creation and Green Forward programmes, implemented by Spark and Alfanar, examines how Social Enterprises (SEs) and Green Enterprises (GEs) can help address these challenges — and what policy reforms are required to unlock their full potential.

Through consultations with more than 80 stakeholders across ministries, enterprise support organisations (ESO), entrepreneurs, UN agencies, and donors, the report identifies eight structural gaps — from legal ambiguity and fragmented oversight to limited financing and urban-centric support — that currently constrain SE and GE growth.

It recommends a phased roadmap centred on:
• Establishing national definitions for SEs and GEs
• Introducing voluntary labelling to improve trust and visibility
• Mandating a coordinating body to align policy and implementation
• Offering incentives such as reduced tax rates and procurement quotas
• Expanding ESO outreach to rural and refugee communities
• Strengthening impact measurement and public awareness

With targeted reforms and cross-sector coordination, Jordan can position itself as a regional leader in inclusive, green, and socially driven entrepreneurship.

This report was highlighted as part of the panel discussion in our recent Regional Impact Connector.

Read the full report and recommendations in Arabic and English.

This publication is funded by the European Union under the From Innovation to Creation programme, implemented by SPARK and Alfanar Venture Philanthropy, and the Green Forward programme, implemented at the meso level by SPARK.