Alfanar Venture Philanthropy, supported by the RDPP III, is calling for applications from early-growth social enterprises in Lebanon and Jordan to join its SEED cycle under the ASPIRE-VP Programme. This initiative is focused on promoting decent work and economic opportunities for refugees and vulnerable communities by accelerating sustainable, high-impact enterprises.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Accelerator Program with Funding (SEED Cycle)
- For: Early-growth Social Enterprises in Lebanon & Jordan focused on vulnerable communities, including Syrian refugees.
- Key Benefits: Up to $20,000 USD grant, 6 months of tailored training, and customized 1-to-1 management support.
- Application Deadline: November 21 (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis).
- Location: Lebanon and Jordan (6-month program duration).
Accelerator Program Overview
The ASPIRE-VP SEED cycle is a 6-month venture philanthropy investment program designed to help ambitious social enterprises scale their impact and achieve financial independence. The project—Addressing Social Development and Protection In the Region through Venture Philanthropy—aims to drive systemic change, foster sustainable solutions, and empower marginalized groups, including women, youth, migrants, and refugees. By supporting locally led social enterprises, the program directly contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality).
Up to ten social enterprises (a cohort of up to five per country) will be shortlisted to receive a grant and customized technical support.
Key Benefits
Selected enterprises (up to ten total) will receive support over a period of 6 months:
- Grant Funding: A direct grant of up to $20,000 USD.
- Structured Training: Training on 5 strategic modules covering business, financial, impact, and governance models.
- Customized Management Support: Dedicated 1-to-1 management support sessions to customize the strategic models for the enterprise.
- Impact Scaling: Support focused on increasing employment, creating decent jobs, and improving livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
- Organizational Strengthening: Assistance with management support, organizational strengthening, and capacity building.
Eligibility Criteria
Enterprises must be looking to grow their team to scale their financial sustainability and impact, and must meet the following criteria:
- Legal Status & Operations:
- Legally registered in Lebanon or Jordan (as a for-profit company in Jordan).
- Operational or generating revenue for at least 2 years.
- Preference for those with the potential to scale nationally and regionally.
- Social Mission: Has a model focused on supporting people from vulnerable communities, and specifically Syrian refugees, in at least one of the following areas:
- Training and linking vulnerable individuals with formal jobs.
- Training and support for vulnerable individuals to generate additional income (including home-based work).
- Market & Product: Has a minimum viable product or service which has already been sold to clients.
- Preference for those that can export to new markets.
- Growth Plan: Plans to strengthen internal capacity by hiring for at least 3 new roles.
- Impact: Has clear social or social & environmental impact that is measurable and scalable.
- SDG Alignment: Addresses at least one of the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
How to Apply
Interested social entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Deadline: November 21
- Application Link: www.alfanar.org/apply
- Note: All information provided must be original, accurate, and based on your own work and experiences. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
About Alfanar Venture Philanthropy
Alfanar is a leading venture philanthropy organization that employs an investment approach to foster the growth of ambitious, enterprising, self-reliant social enterprises (SE) in the Arab world. Alfanar helps these SEs scale their impact and achieve financial independence over time, ensuring they provide valued opportunities for disadvantaged people to improve their lives and experience dignity.
Learn More: www.alfanar.org/apply
