A new platform connects suppliers and service providers in Palestine

When Marah Laham and her team looked at the way Palestinian businesses connect with suppliers and service providers, one thing stood out. Most systems were outdated or disconnected, and companies were missing opportunities because they couldn’t easily access the right networks. Instead of looking elsewhere, they built a solution themselves.

Paltraders is a digital platform designed to support Palestinian businesses by making business-to-business connections easier, more efficient, and more visible. It goes beyond being a basic directory. The platform offers interactive profiles, access to consultants, and tailored networking across key sectors including food, cosmetics, and stone production. Every feature is built with the local market in mind.

How the Riyada Programme helped launch Paltraders

Paltraders was established through the Riyada programme, a 13-month initiative developed by SPARK and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The programme provides targeted training, business guidance, and financial support to early-stage entrepreneurs across Palestine. It also strengthens the quality of services offered by Business Support Centres and universities.

“We came across the Riyada programme through Al-Quds University’s page. The training was incredibly useful, and the financial support helped us move forward at the right moment,” Marah said.

This support allowed the team to build the core of the platform, develop essential features, and launch Sooq – a digital marketplace that lets businesses offer special discounts, loyalty rewards, and seasonal deals. Deliveries are managed by freelance couriers, which helps reduce costs and offers greater flexibility for businesses of different sizes.

Setting the direction for future growth

Paltraders was designed to support businesses across different sectors by making networking and supply chain processes more efficient. With its features still developing and its user base growing gradually, the team is focused on building a reliable space for business engagement in Palestine.

“Our vision is to become the first place businesses go when they need a streamlined approach to supply chain management. The support we received through the Riyada programme helped us take the first step in building that.”

As the platform continues to take shape, Paltraders reflects the kind of initiative the Riyada programme aims to support, one that responds to real gaps in the market with locally driven solutions. SPARK remains committed to supporting startups like Paltraders through Riyada, helping early ideas develop into tools that serve the wider economy.