In a targeted effort to boost local economic growth and youth employment, the Business Development Center (BDC) has supported nine young men and women in the Malka area of Irbid to establish their own productive enterprises. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Khalid bin Al-Waleed Municipality, aims to foster self-employment and create sustainable opportunities in regions with limited job prospects.
Fostering Self-Employment Through The Azem Project
This support was delivered under the “Azem” project, an economic support program focused on creating self-employment opportunities. Executed by the BDC with backing from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the project provides a comprehensive framework to transform entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses.
The core of the initiative is a 10-day intensive training program designed to equip participants with essential business skills. The curriculum covered critical areas such as project planning, financial management, technical capacity building, and marketing strategies, ensuring a solid foundation for launching and sustaining a successful venture.
From Training to Launch: A Hands-On Approach
Following the training, participants were given the opportunity to pitch project ideas that address local community needs while creating sustainable employment for themselves. A selection committee chose nine projects deemed best suited to the region’s demands and aligned with the entrepreneurs’ skills.
To facilitate the launch, the BDC provided in-kind grants by supplying the necessary tools and equipment for each enterprise. This direct support was complemented by ongoing technical and professional guidance tailored to the specific nature of each new business, ensuring a supportive ecosystem for the critical early stages of development.
A Strategic Vision for Local Economic Development
This initiative reflects BDC’s vision of integrating youth into local economic development, particularly in remote areas. Nayef Stetieh, founder of the Business Development Center, emphasized the program’s strategic importance.
“Self-employment is one of the most practical tools for creating sustainable job opportunities for youth in distant governorates and municipalities,” stated Stetieh. “It helps transform economic challenges into real productive opportunities within local communities.”
He added that investing in youth-led entrepreneurship not only improves individual incomes but also stimulates the local economy and enhances social stability. This approach aligns directly with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which champions entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers for job creation and growth across the Kingdom.
About Business Development Center (BDC)
The Business Development Center (BDC) is a Jordanian non-profit organization established in 2004. It is dedicated to fostering economic development and creating employment opportunities across Jordan and the MENA region. BDC designs and implements programs focused on entrepreneurship, skills training, and employment to empower youth, women, and communities.
Source: Al Qalah News
