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Call for Expression of Interest: Advancing Youth-Led and MSME Entrepreneurship in Lebanon

Deadline: 22-Jan-2026

UNICEF Lebanon invites National Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to implement a two-year program supporting vulnerable youth, early-stage start-ups, and MSMEs. Grants focus on entrepreneurship development, incubation, access to capital, digital upskilling, and sustainable business growth, with special emphasis on women, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

Overview of the Program

This initiative aims to empower vulnerable youth and strengthen early-stage businesses across Lebanon by providing:

  • Holistic entrepreneurship support from skills development to financing

  • Structured incubation programs for business development and innovation

  • Seed funding and access to microfinance for sustainable operations

  • Post-incubation tracking, monitoring, and coaching to ensure long-term business growth

The program addresses challenges faced by youth and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), fostering self-reliance, economic participation, and resilience in local communities.

Who is Eligible

  • National Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) registered in Lebanon

  • Organisations with experience in youth development, entrepreneurship, or business support

  • Entities capable of partnering with UNICEF to implement programs over a two-year period

Priority is given to initiatives that:

  • Include vulnerable youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities

  • Support early-stage start-ups or existing MSMEs

  • Provide skills development, incubation, and access to capital

Funding Details

  • Project duration: 2 years (starting March 2026)

  • Focus: Youth entrepreneurship, MSME support, incubation, digital skills, and access to finance

  • Seed funding and revolving loan programs will be provided to selected early-stage businesses

Key Focus Areas

  1. Entrepreneurship Development

    • Business planning, innovation, and incubation

    • Market-aligned training and follow-up coaching

  2. Financial Inclusion

    • Seed funding for start-ups

    • Access to microfinance and revolving loan funds for sustainable growth

  3. Youth and Marginalized Group Empowerment

    • Targeting women, refugees, and persons with disabilities

    • Post-incubation tracking to monitor business sustainability

  4. Capacity Building

    • Digital upskilling, mentoring, and private-sector engagement

    • Promotion of long-term income-generating opportunities

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

  • Ensure your CSO is nationally registered in Lebanon

  • Demonstrate experience in youth or business development programs

Step 2: Prepare Application

  • Outline the project objectives, target groups, expected outcomes, and implementation plan

  • Include details on training, incubation, financing mechanisms, and post-incubation support

Step 3: Submit Proposal

  • Partner with UNICEF to deliver a two-year implementation plan

  • Provide information on project management, staffing, and monitoring mechanisms

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Proposing projects without clear inclusion of marginalized groups

  • Omitting a comprehensive plan for incubation, mentorship, or financing

  • Failing to demonstrate capacity for two-year implementation

  • Not including post-incubation tracking or sustainability measures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
National Civil Society Organizations registered in Lebanon with experience in youth empowerment or entrepreneurship programs.

2. What is the duration of the grant?
The program runs for two years, starting in March 2026.

3. Which groups are prioritized?
Vulnerable youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

4. Are start-ups eligible?
Yes, the program supports early-stage start-ups and existing MSMEs.

5. Does the program provide funding?
Yes, seed funding and access to microfinance and revolving loan programs will be offered to selected businesses.

6. What type of support is provided?
Entrepreneurship training, digital upskilling, mentorship, incubation, and follow-up coaching.

7. How is impact measured?
Through post-incubation tracking, monitoring, and assessment of business sustainability and growth.

Conclusion

UNICEF Lebanon’s Youth Empowerment and Early-Stage Business Grant Program provides a comprehensive, inclusive approach to foster entrepreneurship, economic self-reliance, and resilience among vulnerable youth and MSMEs. By combining skills development, incubation, and financial support, the program empowers youth to build sustainable businesses and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive local economy.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.