New Publication: Strengthening Lebanon’s Economy by Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
July 7, 2015
This case study highlights the experiences of nine Lebanese microfinance institutions who partnered with the Lebanon Investment in Microfinance Program (2009-2015) to improve women’s access to finance in Lebanon. Funded by USAID through the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance, the program worked to increase sales, create jobs, and advance economic growth through improved access to finance for Lebanese micro and small businesses.
Lebanon has suffered security and population challenges brought on by the global economic crisis of 2008 and the ongoing conflict in Syria. One in four people in Lebanon is a Syrian refugee. In the face of this economic instability, Lebanese families have sought new ways to cope and adapt to changing circumstances. Supporting women in entrepreneurship can have a big impact on poverty and help to stabilize a struggling economy. And for the nine microfinance institutions who partnered with IESC on the program, women borrowers represent an untapped market and potential for growth.
Download: Strengthening Lebanon’s Economy by Supporting Women Entrepreneurs (case study)