AEP Liban

Formalizing a business is a key step toward growth and sustainability.
Through the ENABLE program, entrepreneurs participated in dedicated sessions to better understand the formalization process in Lebanon including the importance of complying with national legislation, the different types of business structures available, and the practical steps and requirements for each option.
The sessions helped clarify common challenges faced by micro and small enterprises and empowered participants to strengthen their businesses on a solid legal foundation.
The ENABLE programme is funded by the European Union in Lebanon and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with AEP.

As part of the ENABLE program, funded by the European Union in Lebanon and implemented by the ILO Arab States - منظمة العمل الدولية، المكتب الاقليمي للدول العربية in partnership with AEP, winners of the business competition joined digital marketing sessions to strengthen their online presence.
They learned how to build effective communication strategies, create engaging content, understand their audience, and promote their products across digital platforms, gaining practical skills to turn their ideas into visible, market-ready brands.

Proud to participate in the Sanabel - The Microfinance Network of Arab Countries conference held in Sharm El Sheikh.
Our Executive Director, Lara Hassoun is representing AEP in this regional gathering, exchanging expertise with microfinance leaders from across the Arab region and strengthening collaboration to advance financial inclusion and sustainable entrepreneurship.

After completing the Business and Action plan consolidation and the pitching workshops, entrepreneurs took the next major step in their journey by pitching their business ideas at the Business Plan Competition.
Beneficiaries who developed and consolidated their business plans presented their projects to a jury of experts, showcasing their business ideas, action plans, products and services, and vision for growth. This competition provided a valuable space for entrepreneurs to translate learning into practice, receive constructive feedback, and strengthen their readiness for the next stage.
Based on clear evaluation and selection criteria, around 30 outstanding micro-entrepreneurs will be selected to receive intensive business coaching, mentoring, and in-kind grants averaging USD 2,500, supporting business growth and sustainable livelihood creation.
The ENABLE programme is funded by the European Union in Lebanon and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with AEP. Through this initiative, entrepreneurs across Lebanon are supported to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable businesses.

From Business Plan Consolidation to Pitch-Ready Entrepreneurs!
Under the EU-funded ENABLE programme, implemented by the ILO in partnership with AEP, entrepreneurs advanced through two key steps of their journey: the business and action plan consolidation workshops and the pitch training sessions.
During the business plan consolidation phase, beneficiaries worked on refining and structuring their business and action ideas, identifying their target market, clarifying costs, resources, and operations, and developing clear, realistic plans.
They then moved to pitch training, where they learned how to craft a compelling elevator pitch, present confidently using strong communication techniques, structure a clear and convincing pitch that covers the problem, solution, market, financials, and impact, and respond effectively to jury questions.
These two phases prepare entrepreneurs for the upcoming business and action plan competition, where they will present their ideas to an expert jury. Selected finalists will receive intensive coaching and in-kind grants to grow their businesses.

With funding from the European Union, the International Labour Organization (ILO), under the ENABLE programme and in partnership with AEP, successfully delivered the Entrepreneurship programme in Beirut.

This initiative brought together around 70 Lebanese and Syrian entrepreneurs, equipping them with practical knowledge and hands-on skills to strengthen their businesses and expand their economic opportunities.

Delivered by a network of ILO-certified trainers, along with trainers currently undergoing certification through AEP, the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Ministry of Social Affairs, the sessions were organized across three groups at the Ministry of Social Affairs and at AEP premises.

Beneficiaries also completed the Financial Education training, which complemented the IYB modules by enhancing their financial literacy and reinforcing sound decision-making at both the household and business levels.

Under the ENABLE programme, these trainings contribute to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, reducing dependency on social assistance, and promoting social cohesion by improving access to decent self-employment for both refugees and host communities.

✨𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝗜𝗬𝗕) 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻!✨ As part of the ENABLE programme, funded by the @euinlebanon and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with @aeplebanon and @oxfaminlebanon, the Improve Your Business (IYB) and Financial Education training sessions were held in Beirut and southern Lebanon. More than 150 entrepreneurs strengthened their skills in: 📊 Marketing | 💰 Costing | 🛒 Buying & Stock Control | 📂 Record Keeping | 📈 Business Planning | 🤝 People & Productivity |Setting Financial Goals |Money Management | Responsible Borrowing Both training sessions were delivered by the ILO’s network of trainers, with the IYB trainers pool including staff from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA)and the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET), ensuring national ownership and sustainability. These entrepreneurs will now move on to workshops in preparation for the Action Plan Competition, where they will compete for a chance to win in-kind grants and receive intensive business coaching to help strengthen and grow their existing businesses.👉 Through ENABLE, we are expanding livelihood opportunities, reducing dependency on social assistance, and fostering social cohesion. #FinancialEducation #IYB #BusinessSkills #SelfEmployment #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #SocialCohesion

La semaine dernière, la directrice Lara Hassoun a participé à la rencontre internationale sur l’égalité de genre organisée par Emmaüs International à Lyon.
En tant que membre active du groupe Égalité, elle a contribué aux réflexions sur les obstacles et leviers pour renforcer une gouvernance plus inclusive au sein de notre Mouvement.

A L'AEP, nous sommes fiers de prendre part à ces discussions essentielles qui visent à promouvoir les droits des femmes et à renforcer notre engagement collectif pour plus de justice sociale et d’égalité.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCR7rPSUufgaZgYE67mopawdrI5vvNJsA5pmajzRy27dx0KQ/viewform

From Seeds to Success: Labiba's Journey

Meet Labiba Abou Rafoul, a determined farmer with a vision for growth. Thanks to a loan from AEP, Labiba was able to upgrade her irrigation system and invest in high-quality seeds, a game changer for her agri-business.
The result? Her harvest flourished, her income increased, and she created new job opportunities by hiring local workers.
But Labiba’s success goes far beyond the fields. With her growing business, she’s now securing a brighter future for her family, proving that with the right support, rural women entrepreneurs can lead the way to lasting change.

AEP is proud to continue the ASP2025 initiative, supported by Emmaus International. The latest training session took place in Beirut, delivered by Nabil Zakhem. This program is helping participants gain essential knowledge and practical tools to strengthen their financial literacy. By learning about budgeting, saving, and planning, they build the confidence they need to overcome financial challenges and create sustainable growth in their personal lives and businesses.