Social Microenterprise Initiative - Palestine
Center for Continuing Education
Birzeit University (Ramallah, Palestine)
Project location: West Bank, Palestine
$200,000 2007-2008
http://cceweb.birzeit.edu/ABSF/en-about.html
2007 SMI Palestine Site Visit
2008 SMI Palestine Site Visit

In close partnership with the Center for Continuing Education (BCCE) at Birzeit University in Ramallah, a private university, ABSF implemented a unique charitable-payback microenterprise loan program for Palestinian small businesses in 2007. ABSF provided $100,000 to BCCE to provide capital equipment loans of up to $10,000 to 13 small business applicants pre-screened by BCCE and approved on-site by visiting ABSF representatives.  In 2008, 13 more businesses were approved after on-site interviews by CCE and ABSF representatives.  Our goal for 2009 is to double these numbers and we are actively seeking partners to help fund additional businesses. 

Project features & objectives:

• Interest-free capital equipment loans with repayments in the form of in-kind services or products donated to local refugee camps, orphanages, schools, or impoverished families (no cash).
• Flexible repayment schedules, up to 2-3 years (based on payback capability).
• Documented valuation of in-kind services/products based on retail value.
• Enhanced business productivity and creation of new employment opportunities.
• Business-sponsored community philanthropy introduced in Palestine.

In 2008 we completed an evaluation for our current SMI programs.  To view this document, please click the following link: 2008 SMI Evaluation. 

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