In a region where unemployment rates are among the highest in the Middle East, opportunities for quality jobs are limited, and economic resilience is constantly tested. For Lebanon, struggling with layered crises, the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP) has become a vital initiative, aiming to provide a lifeline for entrepreneurs and job seekers. Launched by the Islamic Development Bank, the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, and SPARK, this two-year initiative works to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills, modernise educational approaches, and connect participants to sustainable employment opportunities.

Implemented in Lebanon by the René Mouawad Foundation, STEP’s interventions are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by local communities. “The importance of this project is highlighted given the crises that Lebanon is enduring socially and economically,” explains Dr. Josette Moawad, the foundation’s project manager.

STEP’s impact begins with understanding. In Lebanon’s underserved T5 region, the programme assessed 122 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to identify their specific needs. From there, it delivered targeted training on digital marketing, accounting, and finance—skills critical for navigating the country’s economic instability. SPARK, through the STEP programme worked with the Renee Moawad Foundation and BIAT to identify the specific needs of 122 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We were able to assess the needs and identify the challenges for 122 MSMEs in the T5 region,” explains Nadeen Elbakht, Business Development and International Relations at BIAT.

Opening doors to markets, finance and knowledge

The impact of STEP extends beyond education. As Nadeen from BIAT notes, the programme also helped participants access new markets and financial resources. “We were able to link participants with financial institutions and helped them access markets,” she says, underlining the holistic approach of the initiative.

For women like Mayssa Al Ossman, based in Tripoli, who initially started working to support her family, these interventions have been incredibly life changing. “Initially, I started working to support myself and my family. The same goes for the other women in the programme—working to support their families. As life has become very difficult, everything requires greater efforts,” she explains. Additionally, Mayssa shared, “I learned how to calculate my profits, as there were materials I wasn’t accounting for before. This helped us improve our work and become stronger and more confident in what we are doing.”

These workshops, which cover essential topics such as digital marketing, accounting, and finance, are tailored to meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs. Beyond imparting technical skills, they instill confidence and resilience—traits vital for navigating the complexities of running a business in Lebanon’s volatile economy.

Empowering inclusive growth

STEP’s commitment to inclusivity sets it apart as a significant driver of positive change in Lebanon. Recognising the unique barriers faced by underrepresented groups, including women, men, and people with disabilities, the programme actively integrates them into its initiatives, creating opportunities that ripple through communities and contribute to building a more equitable economy.

“Thanks to this project and similar initiatives, along with the support of donors, we are ensuring the economy remains vibrant. Small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to face these crises no matter the circumstance,” emphasises Dr. Josette Moawad, Project Manager at the Renee Moawad Foundation. This focus on inclusivity ensures that STEP’s impact is not limited to addressing immediate business challenges but also extends to fostering long-term economic equity, even in times of adversity.

By combining education, market access, and financial support, STEP’s holistic approach demonstrates how coordinated efforts can spark meaningful and sustainable change. Through its skill-building sessions, STEP empowers entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive—driving Lebanon’s broader economic resilience.