New COVID-19 Survival Guide for Refugee Businesses
A living guide to support refugee entrepreneurs through the global economic shutdown.
Startups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are undoubtedly the sector most affected by the global economic slowdown due to COVID-19. Without the financial safety nets that larger corporations have to fall back on, already paper-thin margins have crippled many small businesses. Predictions suggest that as many as 7.5 million in the US alone could close their doors permanently after the crisis.
The situation is even more grave for refugee-owned businesses, who already face various barriers to doing business in hosting nations, such as restrictive labour laws, inability to open bank accounts and language barriers.
With 25 years of supporting refugee entrepreneurs to start and grow their own companies during crises, SPARK is no stranger to the challenges they face. As such, we’re proud to launch our new COVID-19 Survival Guide for Refugee Businesses.
The Survival Guide, in English and Arabic, is available open-source for all startups and SMEs struggling in the wake of the global pandemic. With chapters on strengthening your team and operation, improving your market position, defending against revenue declines and case studies, the easy-to-apply knowledge can assist much-needed businesses to survive and overcome the pandemic.
As the situation is ever-evolving, the Survival Guide is considered a ‘living’ document and will be continuously updated and revised with further important support for refugee entrepreneurs. The guide was prepared by Ahmad Sufian Bayram, a Syrian social entrepreneur and author with over nine years of experience in business development.
The Survival Guide is made possible with the support of our partners, Islamic Development Bank and the Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society.
Related news
-
![]()
NewsGaza: Ceasefire agreement must pave the way for hope, justice, and meaningful Peace
-
![]()
NewsSecond Cohort of Libya Startup Incubator Sees Surge in Derna Entrepreneurs
Silphium Labs has launched its second business incubation programme in Al-Bayda, Libya, helping local start-ups and small businesses grow.
-
![]()
NewsEnd of year – 2024 A Year of Trials and Triumphs: Reflecting on 2024
-
![]()
NewsThe EU, SPARK, UNIDO, and Expertise France set a vision for a green economy in the Southern Mediterranean region through the“Green Forward” initiative
As part of the IGNITE conference in Amman, Expertise France, SPARK, UNIDO, and the European Union introduced the Green Forward…
-
![]()
Report2023 Annual Report
-
![]()
EventPalestine Launchpad with Google: Graduation Ceremony and Job Fair Celebrates Over 400 Job-Ready Tech Graduates
Equipped with the latest tech skills needed in the market, these graduates are ready to tackle the critical skills gap…
-
![]()
NewsSyria: From Revolution to Reconstruction
-
![]()
EventIGNITE Conference Explores AI, Green Transition, Sustainable Tourism, and Startup Innovation in Amman
Under the patronage of His Excellency, Eng. Sami Smeirat, the IGNITE Conference took centre stage at the King Hussein Business…
-
![]()
NewsCreating pathways to employment: The Work for Work Campaign
Following the success of the first campaign, “Don’t Leave, Fix It,” the Networks of Change II (NoC II) programme has…
-
![]()
Building Business Resilience in Lebanon
-
![]()
IGNITE Amman: Investing in the Future for Youth, Women, and Refugees
-
![]()
SPARK alumni honored in Forbes 30 Under 30 for social impact
-
![]()
Tackling waste in Lebanon: Circular packaging and reuse
