Overview:
The consultancy aimed to investigate and identify challenges and opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the North Governorate, with a focus on access to microfinance and green economy prospects. It also assessed barriers and opportunities for the employment of women, youth, and people with disabilities. Key objectives included demographic analysis of sectors, market size evaluation, demand drivers, market entry barriers, and regulatory insights.

Scope of Work:
– Desk reviews and synthesis of past research conducted by various local, national, and international entities.
– Coordination and execution of primary data collection, including Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), involving local and national stakeholders in collaboration with COOPI.
– Compilation of a comprehensive market assessment report covering the MSME and labor market situation in North Lebanon, considering the broader socioeconomic context in the country.
– Identification of key challenges and opportunities for MSMEs and unemployed, inactive, and NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), including legal barriers.
– Assessment of access to employment in the North Governorate.
– Exploration of green and circular economy prospects for MSMEs in North Lebanon.
– Provision of strategic recommendations for supporting MSMEs in selected sectors and enhancing the labor market integration of women and youth.

This consultancy played a vital role in informing strategies to bolster the MSME sector, promote employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic development of North Lebanon.