NEF has worked continuously in Jordan since 1937 and is a pioneer in innovative solutions to social and economic development challenges impacting communities throughout the Middle East, Africa, and the Caucasus. 

Elsa & Peter became interested in refuge assistance when their travels took them to Jordan, where they learned of the plight of Palestinian and Syrian refugees in the region. EPSCF identified NEF as our preferred partner due to their focus on women entrepreneurs and remarkable track-record in a complex Jordanian operating environment. During initial conversations, it was clear augmented support was needed as some successful graduates of NEF's entrepreneurial training programs were seeking advanced training and access to capital to help their businesses expand. Constrained access to credit has historically prevented fledgling entrepreneurs from expanding or upgrading their businesses, even where there is growth potential and demand. 

Our funding attracted other donors and allowed NEF to establish a community revolving credit fund to facilitate access to finance while helping entrepreneurs grow their small businesses. Additional funding through a micro-loan would allow entrepreneurs with high growth potential to access the funds and resources they need to scale their operations. Asfari Foundation and EPSCF pledged to fill the funding gap to launch the revolving credit fund pilot in 2018, an initiative called the Jordan Microlending Fund Pilot.

EPSCF witnessed the tremendous economic opportunities the loan beneficiaries were on the cusp of realizing; however, there was still a missing piece - marketing to sustain, strengthen, and grow businesses. With support from EPSCF and funding partner Open Society Foundation, NEF launched the Jordan Marketing Expansion Pilot in Summer 2020. The timing of this was critical, as business strengthening elements supported under this initiative provided vulnerable entrepreneurs with the added support needed to navigate the secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on the success of the micro-lending pilot, EPSCF's additional funding for marketing expansion unlocked resources for all loan recipients to attend expanded training and coaching sessions on market access, prototyping and promotion. Through the expanded programing, 72 additional beneficiaries received loans and 18 beneficiaries were able to access grants. 

Focus group interviews revealed that participants felt the training and coaching helped them develop in the areas of communication and customer service, time management, negotiation, problem solving, conflict management, and budgeting. The most commonly cited challenges were decreased demand and sales due to COVID-19, the cost of transportation (including delivery costs), and the cost of inputs and goods production. 

Our partnership with NEF continues. In 2021, EPSCF provided an additional two-year grant, Microlending and Siraj Expansion Project, to expand the self-sustaining revolving credit fund to two new locations in addition to working with the Government of Jordan to integrate the facility into public services supported by the Ministry of Social Development. 

A key objective of this expansion includes strengthening the e-learning business development platform and rolling out a digital marketplace for improved B2B marketing and networking. In December 2021, NEF officially Siraj Market, enabling NEF beneficiaries to advertise their goods and services, as well as to identify potential business partnerships. Following a successful pilot phase, the tool has been rolled out in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

As the entrepreneurs realize business success, they will start seeking opportunities to save and invest their profits. EPSCF recognized that banking options are extremely limited, especially for women and other historically marginalized groups. With EPSCF funding, NEF is conducted a Digital Banking pilot to assess options available for flexible and inclusive digital financial services. We expect to develop an e-wallet solution that serves not only NEF entrepreneurs but the community as a whole.