Rural Entrepreneurs (RE) has proudly earned the prestigious EFQM certification, marking a significant milestone in their journey of driving rural development and innovation in Lebanon. Achieving this globally recognized standard reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and impactful entrepreneurship.
This accomplishment was made possible through the support of Berytech’s REAF Program, which equips organizations with the tools and guidance needed to navigate the rigorous framework. For Rural Entrepreneurs, the certification is not just a testament to their internal growth but a recognition of their pivotal role in empowering rural communities and fostering a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Rural Entrepreneurs embody the vision of the REAF program, fostering sustainable growth and socio- economic resilience, within rural communities. This milestone validates our commitment to supporting innovation and excellence across Lebanon’s rural areas”, states Iyad Mouawad, Program Manager at Berytech.
A Unique Approach to Empowering Rural Communities
Since its inception, Rural Entrepreneurs has championed the cause of rural development by providing tailored support to rural innovators and small businesses. Their programs aim to tackle challenges such as access to markets, limited resources, and the lack of structured business support in rural areas.
The EFQM certification underscores RE’s dedication to fostering innovation while maintaining a strong connection to Lebanon’s rural communities. With this certification, they set a benchmark for excellence in addressing the specific needs of these underserved regions.
Certification as a Catalyst for Impact
The EFQM framework has enabled Rural Entrepreneurs to refine their processes, enhance their operational efficiency, and align their mission with global standards of excellence. This milestone represents more than an internal achievement—it is a step forward in their ability to deliver impactful programs, attract strategic partnerships, and scale their efforts to benefit even more rural entrepreneurs.
“Throughout the EFQM training, the Rural Entrepreneurs (RE) team worked closely with professional coaches to reaffirm its vision and revisit its strategies while learning how to elevate management practices to meet international standards. This enabled RE to lay out a road map to manage its resources efficiently, optimize its processes and build deeper and more meaningful connections with its stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and profound impact,” notes Haitham Saab, Founder and President of Rural Entrepreneurs.
The Road Ahead
With the EFQM certification now a part of their legacy, Rural Entrepreneurs is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Whether through launching new initiatives, building stronger networks, or empowering more rural innovators, this achievement solidifies their position as a leader in rural development.
About REAF
The Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program is dedicated to strengthening the socio-economic resilience of individuals in South of Mount-Lebanon, Central, and West Bekaa. It supports the viability of startups in sectors like agri-food, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy. 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, REAF operates within the framework of the project Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities, and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE).
