The SHEVENTURE program has successfully supported 25 women-led businesses in Jordan’s southern governorates of Karak and Tafila, bolstering the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Implemented by Impact MENA in partnership with Al-Ebd’a Club – Karak, the initiative provided participants with crucial training, mentorship, consulting, and small finanial grants to scale their operations in sectors including handicrafts, agriculture, food production, beauty, and local services.
The comprehensive support has enhanced the competitive capabilities of the female founders, spurred the growth of their ventures, and led to the creation of 27 new job opportunities in the region.
A Collaborative Ecosystem Effort
The program is a key component of the “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Development and Employment (E4DE)” project, a strategic collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Jordanian Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. It receives joint funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union.
Danielle Stübi, Project Manager of E4DE at GIZ Jordan, celebrated the founders’ achievements. “This event celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women entrepreneurs in Karak and Tafila who, with determination and perseverance over the past months, and through comprehensive support in training, incubation programs, and grants, have grown their businesses and created opportunities for themselves and their communities,” she stated.
Driving Sustainable Economic Growth
The initiative was designed to address specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in southern Jordan, focusing on building sustainable and scalable businesses.
Farhan Al Kalaldeh, CEO of Impact MENA, highlighted the program’s targeted approach. “This program is a qualitative initiative focused on women’s projects in the south by developing their capabilities and building a competitive advantage, enabling them to expand their products and services, support access to local and regional markets, and generate employment,” he said.
Qasem Al-Maaytah, Chairman of Al-Ebd’a Club – Karak, added that the program aligns with the club’s mission to foster innovation and talent. He noted the celebration marks “a launchpad towards achieving the beneficiaries’ ambitions of building successful institutions that drive the national economy towards growth and prosperity.”
From Program Completion To Market Integration
The conclusion of the program was marked by a closing ceremony at the Al-Hassan Cultural Center in Karak, attended by nearly 100 representatives from government bodies, the private sector, and financial institutions. The event emphasized that this milestone is not an end but the beginning of a new phase focused on market integration.
Dhelal Al-Shorman, representing the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, particularly women. She emphasized that the E4DE project reinforces investment readiness in the startup sector with a focus on female empowerment and aligns with the Ministry’s goal of dedicating 30% of its support to women and provincial initiatives.
Organizers confirmed that ongoing efforts will connect program graduates with private sector companies in tourism, hospitality, and retail to foster commercial relationships and future partnerships. The closing event also featured a panel discussion, an exhibition of the women-led businesses, and business clinics offering direct consultations on registration, marketing, and legal matters.
About SHEVENTURE
SHEVENTURE is a targeted entrepreneurship program designed to empower and support women-led businesses in the southern Jordanian governorates of Karak and Tafila. Implemented by Impact MENA, the program provides training, mentorship, and financial grants to enhance the competitiveness and growth of female-founded ventures. It operates under the “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Development and Employment (E4DE)” project in partnership with GIZ Jordan and the Jordanian Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship.
Source: Al-Rai
