In a significant move to strengthen the local entrepreneurial landscape, Orange Jordan, in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has successfully concluded its ‘Finance Forward: Empowering Entrepreneurs through Financial Literacy’ program. The initiative has equipped 100 entrepreneurs from across the Kingdom with essential financial management skills, preparing them for sustainable growth and investor readiness.
Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap
The eight-month program was strategically designed to enhance the financial acumen of startups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative reached 100 participants across five key governorates: Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Al-Karak, and Aqaba. The program was supported by GIZ’s Innovative Approaches for the Financial Inclusion of MSMEs in Jordan (I-FIN) project, which acts on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is co-funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The graduation ceremony was attended by Pier de Vries, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, underscoring the international support for Jordan’s startup ecosystem.
A Curriculum for Growth and Sustainability
Finance Forward provided a comprehensive training curriculum covering 10 critical topics essential for building a resilient business. The modules included budgeting and financial planning, cash flow management, access to funding, and understanding savings and insurance solutions. Entrepreneurs also received training in market entry strategies, strategic business planning, bookkeeping, tax systems, risk management, and networking skills crucial for attracting investment. This holistic approach ensures founders are not only skilled in their craft but also in the financial management required to scale their ventures.
A Strategic Partnership for Ecosystem Development
Orange Jordan highlighted its longstanding partnership with GIZ as a cornerstone of its commitment to empowering the Kingdom’s entrepreneurs. The program reflects Orange’s strategy to generate positive economic and social impact by equipping startups with the knowledge to achieve growth and sustainability. GIZ representatives noted that financial literacy is fundamental to economic growth, and this collaboration provides entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to create sustainable job opportunities throughout Jordan.
Integrating Practical Financial Tools
Going beyond theoretical training, Orange Jordan enriched the program by leveraging its strategic partnerships. Capital Bank was brought in to provide participants with hands-on expertise and real-world insights from the financial sector. Founders were also introduced to practical digital payment solutions, including the Orange Money wallet, demonstrating how modern financial tools can facilitate transactions and support business expansion. This integration of practical experience with academic learning provides a powerful toolkit for emerging businesses.
About Finance Forward
The ‘Finance Forward: Empowering Entrepreneurs through Financial Literacy’ program is a collaborative initiative by Orange Jordan and GIZ, implemented through BIG by Orange by Orange Digital Center. Its primary objective is to enhance the financial literacy and management skills of entrepreneurs, including startups and MSMEs, across Jordan to foster sustainable growth and strengthen the national entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
