About the program

Mercy Corps’ action within the LINKED SPS program targets MSMEs that have been affected either financially or structurally by the Beirut Port Blast. The assistance type will be conditional cash support, as well as Business Development Support programs. Both types of assistance are tailored and customized depending on the profile of the business supported. The intervention prioritizes the MSMEs that have not received support so far, however recognizing the coordination challenges in Beirut experienced to date, MSMEs already supported by other partners will not be disqualified by the Action, rather we will seek to complement the support already received.

The intervention also prioritizes businesses along with their current employment figures,  in an attempt to retain HR structures and livelihood access to individuals employed by Beirut MSMEs. Following the identification and outreach phase, MSMEs will receive information sessions on the multiple phases of the program and complete a pre-application form to ensure their eligibility to the program. MSMEs who are deemed eligible will be profiled through an in-depth assessment to provide a detailed overview on their operations. They will be asked to complete a business plan stating their proposed investments in order to retain their operations within a six to 12 months time frame.

All application documents and the proposed business plan will be reviewed and evaluated by LINKED  before the cash assistance is granted to the businesses. Selected MSMEs will complete the  Business Development Support component, and receive the full cash amount granted by Mercy Corps. Following the cash grant, Mercy Corps will refer its businesses to Al Majmouaa for a financial management training, as well as Oxfam, for a Decent Working Conditions Training.