CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - Alfanar Seed Cycle 3

In partnership with the “Employment Promotion Lebanon” EPL project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Alfanar is launching Seed cycle 3 as part of  the YELA (Youth Employment in Lebanon through Social Enterprises) programme that intends to support Lebanese social enterprises (SEs) and promote employment creation in Lebanon. 

The Seed Programme intends to support 20 early stage social enterprises over 4 Seed rounds – up to 5 SEs per round – in a total period of 24 months with funding and tailored management support.

An initial batch of 10 SEs will be shortlisted  based on eligibility criteria – described here below – and will be selected  by a jury to join a cohort of up to 5 SEs that will be supported for a period of 6 months with a $20k grant, 7 customized management support workshops and 3 group trainings. SEs going through the Seed Programme should be able to create employment opportunities within 6 months of starting the program

Alfanar is looking for social enterprises in Lebanon that exhibit the following requirements:

• Is legally registered for at least a year in Lebanon and operates in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, with a preference for those that have the potential to scale nationally and regionally
• Has a model that is focused on creating income and employment opportunities for youth, with a focus on women and persons with disabilities preferably through freelancing
• Has a clear social and/or environmental impact that is measurable and scalable and benefits a minimum of 20 people
• Has a minimum viable product or service which has already been sold to clients, with a preference for those that can export to new markets
• Is looking for management support, organisational strengthening, and/or capacity building
• Addresses at least one of these Sustainable Development Goals:
  • SDG 4 – Quality Education
  • SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production