REAF

Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food

The Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program aims to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of individuals across South Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa, Hasbaya, and Southern Baalbek by supporting the viability of innovative startups tackling sustainable rural economic development. The program provides startups with essential tools to transform their ideas into sustainable and profitable businesses, while offering youth training to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and facilitate entry into the job market.

Applications for the REAF Ideathon are now closed.

About the REAF Program

The REAF program focuses on different sectors within these areas, tailoring its approach to meet specific local needs. REAF supports startups in the agrifood, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy sectors, renewable energy, and waste management and valorization.

REAF’s overarching goal is to empower youth, women, and people with disabilities in rural areas, equipping them with skills that foster economic independence and resilience. By nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship, the program enhances the socio-economic landscape across Lebanese rural communities.

The REAF Program includes:

A field assessment study evaluating the current situation in South Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa, and the Hasbaya and Baalbek areas.
Awareness campaigns and ideathons focusing on youth in the targeted areas.
An incubation program of four batches for startups.
Youth training to enhance entrepreneurial skills and provide the necessary tools for the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.
Financial in-kind grants for startups taking part in the incubation program.

Targets of The Program

750

outh, of which 300 women, located in South Mount Lebanon and Central and West Bekaa

100

youth, of which 40 women, located in Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck

110

people with disabilities from the overall youth groups

65

startups to benefit from a 3-month pre-incubation phase and grants.

34

startups to benefit from a 5-month follow-on incubation phase and grants.

75+

jobs to be created directly or indirectly

Donors & Partners

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).

community Stakeholders

Michel Daher Foundation, Rural Entrepreneurs and Park Innovation will carry out, along with Berytech, the outreach activities, youth entrepreneurship enablement, and ideathons and entrepreneurship support activities to strengthen and sustain the capacity of local communities.