Promoting and Supporting Environmental Small Businesses  (2009-09-05)

BIDAYA with the support of the Global Environment Facility small grants program provides opportunities to apply for loans to implement environmental businesses in the following areas: biodiversity, land degradation, climate change, persistent organic pollutants, water). The Small Grants program (SGP + GEF): The Small Grants Program was established in 1992 globally, and activated in Syrian Arab Republic in 2005 , supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate program, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). www.sgp.org.sy Project objectives: 1- Increase environmental awareness among members of the Syrian community. 2- Encourage Syrian young entrepreneurs to start small businesses to support themselves protect the environment. 3- Create job opportunities for Syrian young entrepreneurs. 4- Provide training, business support and supervision for Syrian young entrepreneurs. Project Conditions: 1- Any Syrian between the age of 18-35. 2- Unable to obtain finance through conventional means. 3- Both unemployed and underemployed young people qualify. 4- Candidates should submit a business plan for his/her environmental business with the following conditions: A- The amount of the loan should be approximately 200,000 S.P. B- The environmental business should be in the following focal areas: • Soil degradation: The sustainable management of agricultural land farming membership and management of forests, pastures, and prevent wind and water erosion and desertification. • Climate Change: Energy saving and alternative energies and adapt to climate change. • Biodiversity: The protection of plant and animal species by encouraging the use and economically optimal investment. • Water: Protect water from pollution and rational use. 5- All business plans may be submitted, with assistance from BIDAYA staff, for evaluation by the credit panel.