$1.1 million to power Lebanon’s women-led businesses

More than $1.1 million has been granted to 51 women-led Lebanese businesses, giving new momentum to local economic recovery. Backed by the UNDP and UNIDO, and funded by the Government of Canada, the initiative aims to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and expand opportunities across Lebanon.

On October 30, 2025, the Lebanese Industry Expo in Beirut turned into a celebration of women’s economic empowerment. Fifty-one Lebanese female entrepreneurs received grants worth several thousand dollars each, along with tailored technical and business support to help them grow locally and internationally.

The total amount, $1.106 million, is part of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Project, launched in March 2025 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with financial support from Canada.

A nationwide effort

The new grantees come from Beirut, Mount Lebanon, the Bekaa, the North, and the South, and operate in key sectors such as agro-food, cosmetics, and creative industries, all vital to Lebanon’s productive economy and export base.

According to a UNDP statement, these businesses are expected to “create new jobs, sustain household incomes, and open access to new markets,” helping to revitalize the local economy.

This initiative follows an earlier round in March 2025, when 45 women-led enterprises received $706,000 in emergency support to sustain production, improve quality, and protect livelihoods in the wake of recent hostilities.

In total, $1.1 million has now been distributed among 96 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), marking a significant step toward inclusive growth.

Women at the heart of economic recovery

According to UNDP data, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) make up nearly 90% of Lebanon’s economy and remain the backbone of local livelihoods. Yet women-led businesses have been among the hardest hit by the country’s overlapping crises.

The 2024 war and the prolonged financial collapse forced many to scale down or shut down entirely, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.

The project’s ultimate goal is to support more than 1,000 women-led enterprises, providing them not only with financial aid but also with access to business services, market linkages, and technical know-how to strengthen their competitiveness and resilience.

Beyond the figures, this initiative represents a powerful symbol of resilience and recognition for women’s contribution to Lebanon’s economy. In a country battered by crises, these grants are helping entrepreneurs rebuild their futures, one business at a time.

By investing in women, UNDP and UNIDO are investing in Lebanon’s long-term stability and growth. As the UNDP’s statement concludes: “Women’s leadership is not only about equality it is a driver of growth, innovation, and resilience for Lebanon’s economy.”