The USAID Jordan Local Enterprise Support Project (LENS) recently awarded grants totaling JD 200,000 to eight micro and small enterprises (MSEs)—five of them owned by women—based in Zarqa governorate.
The grants will support Jordanians to develop their new or existing businesses in various areas of the Zarqa governorate, resulting in new jobs and greater income to underserved areas. These businesses will adopt new technologies and provide employment opportunities for women and youth, and will benefit MSEs in sectors including food-processing, retail, and tourism.
“In our efforts to encourage local economic development in Zarqa, we need to ensure that micro and small business have the resources they need in order to grow and thrive. We are proud that USAID LENS is committed to supporting the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Zarqa residents,” said H.E Dr. Raed Al Adwan, Governor of Zarqa, during a meeting with the awarded grantees on November 2, 2015.
Russ Bauer, Director of the Economic Development and Energy Office at USAID/Jordan, said: “We remain committed to ensuring that we reach Jordan’s most vulnerable communities to restore hope for a prosperous future. USAID supports the creation of more business-friendly environments, entrepreneurship, and increasing investment in underserved areas across Jordan.”
USAID LENS also works in Irbid, Tafilah, Aqaba, and Amman (excluding the Greater Amman Municipality) to support the growth of MSEs and foster a more robust business environment.