Through funds from The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Berytech launched ARYAF, a program aimed at significantly boosting the capacity of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in rural areas. The program is part of the Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities, and Small and Medium Enterprises project (ACE).
ARYAF serves MSMEs in the sectors of food processing, local hospitality, tourism, restaurant, eco-tourism, and agri-tourism in the regions of Bekaa and Mount Lebanon, with a focus on increasing sales volume, implementing a business continuity plan, and providing training to staff, including youth, women, and disabled individuals in rural areas.
ARYAF Program
The program includes mapping MSMEs in the target areas, conducting a needs assessment and collecting baseline data, implementing a transformation journey through business support and technical assistance, conducting networking and matchmaking events, and providing financial grants to MSMEs.
The program aims to empower 60 MSMEs through in-kind grants of up to €14,000 and/or technical assistance, with 18 MSMEs led by women, 9 MSMEs employing people with disabilities, and targeting the creation of 18 jobs, an increase in sales for 42 MSMEs, and the export training of 9 MSMEs.
As part of the ARYAF program, Berytech will play a crucial role in mobilizing experts to conduct field assessments, launching awareness campaigns, providing eco-system linkages and matchmaking facilitation, and delivering technical assistance.
“ARYAF aims to empower MSMEs through targeted support and inclusivity,” said Samer Salamany, ARYAF program manager. “We are excited to be a part of this program and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the MSMEs and the communities they serve.”
ARYAF Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible for the program’s support, applicants must be Lebanese nationals, MSMEs operating in food processing or other value chains downstream of agriculture including local tourism, hospitality, restaurants and others, officially registered with a Ministry of Finance number with at least three full-time employees, and located in Baabda, Aley, Chouf, West Bekaa, or Zahle. Women-led businesses and businesses that employ people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
In conclusion, ARYAF is a unique opportunity for MSMEs in rural areas to receive targeted support and inclusivity and to grow and improve their businesses.
