Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-food (REAF) Program: Applications Are Now Open

REAF CTA 1 1200 x 628
Berytech will support startups with innovations across the agri-food, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy sectors

REAF CTA 1 1200 x 628

Berytech launches the Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program that aims at strengthening the socio-economic resilience of individuals in South of Mount-Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa through supporting the business model viability of startups in the agri-food, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy sectors.

The program is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with Berytech, within the framework of the project Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities, and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE).

About The Program

With its objective of strengthening the business and product viability of startups tackling sustainable rural economic development operating in South Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa, the Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program will provide the startups with the tools to transform their ideas into sustainable and profitable businesses. REAF’s youth training will enhance their entrepreneurship mentality and entry into the job market. The program is designed to empower youth, women, and people with disabilities in rural areas with a set of skills that will enable them to thrive in their communities, impacting the overall situation in Lebanon.

The program will start with a field assessment study to evaluate the current situation in the South of Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa followed by Ideathons and an awareness campaign focused on youth in the targeted areas.

An open call will select applicants to join the incubation part of the program consisting of three batches for startups in the agri-food, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy sectors. Selected applicants will receive training and financial grants equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop their startups.

The Incubation Program

The call for the incubation program is now open. Berytech will support startups with innovations across the agri-food, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy sectors, offering them the resources, knowledge, and funding to scale their solutions and grow into a sustainable business.

Startups working in the sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, circular economy, and agri-food sectors including but not limited to, agriculture production, distribution, marketing, retail, household consumption, manufacturing, and processing in addition to eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circularity are encouraged to apply.

Selected startups will benefit from tailored capacity-building activities, business development services, technical assistance, coaching, and in-kind grants.

Who can apply?

Applications are open for:

  • Sustainable rural development business ideas with socio-economic impact.
  • Operating in the South of Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa.
  • Have at least three Lebanese co-founders aged between 18 and 35.
  • Preferably with Women and people with disabilities on the team.

Applications for the REAF incubation program are now open, the deadline to apply is November 15, 2022.

If you have any questions or need information, contact us on reaf@berytech.org.

Raghid Jarrah

Raghid Jarrah

Raghid Jarrah joined Berytech in July 2021 and is currently a Communication and Outreach Coordinator. He supports the team on various ongoing projects such as ARYAF, DAWERR, REAF, SAFI, WE4F, and others.

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