EU-Funded Program Boosts Entrepreneurship in Lebanon

The International Labour Organization (ILO), with funding from the European Union, marked the completion of the entrepreneurship component of the ENABLE programme at an event bringing together government representatives, the European Union, implementing and development partners, trainers and participating entrepreneurs.

Implemented by the ILO in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and in collaboration with the Lebanese NGO Association d'Entraide Professionnelle (AEP) and Oxfam, the entrepreneurship component has supported aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in strengthening their skills, developing their businesses and improving their access to markets. Participants received entrepreneurship and financial education, tailored coaching and mentoring, in-kind support and market access opportunities.

Through different entrepreneurship interventions under ENABLE, which supports efforts to advance economic inclusion and expand livelihood and employment opportunities in Lebanon, a total of 454 beneficiaries received entrepreneurship training. An additional 300 beneficiaries participated in financial education training, while 55 entrepreneurs received in-kind grants alongside continued coaching to support the development and sustainability of their businesses.

The closing event highlighted the experiences of participating entrepreneurs and the results achieved throughout the intervention. A video screened during the event traced their entrepreneurship journey, from training and business development support to the practical application of acquired skills and engagement with markets.

Claire Courteille-Mulder, ILO Regional Deputy Director for Arab States, highlighted the people and experiences behind these achievements: "Behind every figure we presented today is a person - someone who had an idea, learned new skills, took a risk, confronted challenges, and worked hard to build a more secured livelihood. Your achievements are part of the programme's legacy. As we close this chapter, we leave behind a stronger entrepreneurship ecosystem: professional entrepreneurs, a pool of certified trainers, strengthened national systems, and above all, valuable evidence and lessons that will help shape the next phase of entrepreneurship support in Lebanon."

"The European Union is proud to support Lebanon's entrepreneurs, who face significant challenges, from limited access to finance to ongoing economic uncertainty. Despite these obstacles, microentrepreneurs are turning their skills into thriving businesses that support their families and communities. The ENABLE Programme has empowered 454 microentrepreneurs, providing essential tools and resources that foster a more inclusive and resilient Lebanese economy. Together, we are creating pathways to sustainable growth and prosperity." Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation Lebanon.

Representing the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dr. Suhair El Ghali highlighted the importance of building on the experience gained through the entrepreneurship component. "We see the entrepreneurship component within ENABLE not simply as an intervention that has reached its conclusion, but as an experience we can learn from and build on. Looking ahead, we aim to sustain this support, expand the network of SIYB trainers within the Ministry, strengthen its presence in Social Development Centres, and further link it with economic inclusion programmes," she said.

Participating entrepreneurs also shared first-hand accounts of their business journeys, reflecting on how the training, coaching and other support provided through ENABLE helped them strengthen their entrepreneurship and financial management skills, develop their businesses and respond to challenges and market opportunities.

This event also served as an opportunity to showcase the network of local Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) trainers and master trainers, developed in Lebanon through the support of various ILO programmes. Trainers and master trainers participating in the event shared their experiences and highlighted the importance of transferring knowledge and strengthening the capacities of national and local actors to deliver quality entrepreneurship development services.

The event concluded with an exhibition of products and services from participating entrepreneurs, enabling them to engage directly with visitors, expand their networks and explore potential market linkages. Guests were also introduced to the ILO's Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme and invited to access a catalogue featuring many of the supported microentrepreneurs and their products and services.

The completion of the entrepreneurship component marks an important milestone for the EU-funded ENABLE programme. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the ILO in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and in collaboration with AEP and OXFAM, ENABLE supports efforts to advance economic inclusion and expand livelihood and employment opportunities in Lebanon.