The Aga Khan Foundation (Syria) has opened applications for small and micro-entrepreneurs looking to scale their existing service or production-based projects. This initiative provides integrated financial and technical support to enhance business sustainability, improve livelihoods, and boost income.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Business Development Program (Funding & Training)
- For: Small and Micro-Business Owners in Syria (Service or Production sectors)
- Key Benefits: Financial funding, professional training, and one year of technical consultancy.
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Location: Damascus, Rural Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartous, and Lattakia (Specific neighborhoods apply).
Program Overview
The Local Enterprise Development project aims to empower small and micro-enterprises to recover and grow. The program focuses on ensuring production continuity, encouraging innovation, and improving market competitiveness. A significant emphasis is placed on reducing operational costs by promoting the transition to clean and alternative energy sources.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive Training: An integrated capacity-building program for business owners.
- Financial Support: Access to financing through mixed funding or interest-subsidized loans via operating banks.
- Professional Mentorship: One full year of specialized technical consultations, follow-up, and career guidance after receiving funding.
- Operational Efficiency: Support in adopting alternative energy solutions to lower costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Applicants must be between 20 and 60 years old.
- Experience: At least two years of experience in the project’s field; the project must have been active for at least one year.
- Role: The applicant must be the actual manager of the business.
- Location: Must operate within the targeted neighborhoods in Homs, Tartous, Aleppo, Damascus, Rural Damascus, or Lattakia.
- Project Type: Only production or service-oriented small/micro-businesses are eligible. Purely commercial, agricultural, or livestock projects are excluded.
- Legal Status: Projects must be legal; preference is given to registered and licensed businesses. Educational, health, or chemical projects must have government approvals.
- Commitment: Must be available for all training sessions and meetings.
- Exclusions: Applicants or immediate family members must not have previously benefited from Aga Khan Foundation grants or similar programs.
Targeted Locations
- Homs: Al-Insha’at and Al-Arman neighborhoods.
- Tartous: Tartous city, Al-Shaykh Badr, and Baniyas.
- Aleppo: Aleppo city center.
- Damascus & Rural Damascus: Al-Duwayla’a and Daraya center.
- Lattakia: Ali Jamal, Al-Raml Al-Shamali, and Saqoubin.
How to Apply
To apply, entrepreneurs must fill out the specific registration link for their province. Applications are open from February 8, 2026, until February 15, 2026.
For inquiries, contact the following numbers between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM: 0956777531 – 0989375219 – 0993307868 – 0961124206 – 0961124263
About Aga Khan Foundation (Syria)
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non-denominational development agency that addresses challenges faced by marginalized communities. In Syria, the foundation works on various initiatives to improve quality of life, promote economic sustainability, and support small-scale entrepreneurs through technical and financial assistance.
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