The USAID Jordan Local Enterprise Support Project (LENS) recently provided technical and financial support to the Companies Control Department through the procurement of a data server and storage array valued at JD 100,000. This new high-performance database server will enable the CCD to enhance the efficiency of business registration processes for micro and small businesses across Jordan. Improving and easing the process of business registration and licensing is vital to private-sector growth. Micro and small businesses in particular have much to gain from becoming registered businesses, such as greater access to finance and legal protection. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply H.E. Maha Ali expressed her support for the initiative: “Through our collaboration with USAID, we are proud to offer more efficient services to facilitate and improve the registration process for Jordanian businesses.” USAID/Jordan Mission Director Jim Barnhart said, “USAID is committed to working with its Jordanian government partners to support them in creating a robust business sector. The easier, faster, and cheaper the business registration process becomes, the higher the number of businesses in an economy.” USAID LENS is also currently supporting the MoITS and CCD in developing a business registration manual to encourage micro and small business owners to formalize their businesses and guide them through the registration process. The manual will be published in the first quarter of 2016.
