What does it take to build economic opportunity in places where stable employment is difficult to access?

Across Lebanon and Jordan, a growing number of social enterprises are answering that question through locally rooted businesses designed around the realities their communities face every day.

Through the ASPPIRE-VP programme, funded by RDPP III, Alfanar is supporting a second group of early-stage social enterprises focused on employment and income-generation for refugees, women, youth, and underserved communities.

The enterprises in this cohort reflect just how broad the challenge – and opportunity – can be. Some are creating livelihoods through artisan production, food systems, and community-based tourism. Others are building pathways into green jobs, supporting women-led enterprise, or creating spaces where young people can access skills, networks, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Across both countries, these organisations are designing business models that respond directly to the social and economic realities around them.

In Lebanon, enterprises Salam LADC, Tahaddi, Alsama Studio, Mortben, and IGT are supporting communities through vocational training, women-led production, food systems, and green technology.

In Jordan, The Idea Chamber, Youniche, Hakaia Home, and Deerah are supporting young people, artisans, refugees, and local entrepreneurs through community-based tourism, cultural enterprise, collaborative learning spaces, and sustainable handicraft production.

This new cycle builds on the programme’s first cohort, where several enterprises progressed into longer-term support after strengthening both their impact and financial sustainability.

This is the value of supporting social enterprises at an early stage. With the right combination of funding, tailored business support, and hands-on mentorship, these organisations can strengthen their operations, refine their business models, and expand opportunities for the communities they serve over the long term.