Livelihoods Solutions

Under livelihood solutions IOM is aiding through various components:

Small Business start-ups: Under this project IOM supports vulnerable families to become more self-reliant by providing small cash grants for small business start-ups in line with the needs and skills of individuals. IOM uses the cash grants modality to ensure greater flexibility and timeliness of assistance to targeted beneficiaries located in the Southeastern provinces in Turkey. 

Enterprise Development fund (EDF): IOM’s Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) encourages private sector job creation and economic recovery and development through tailored support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The EDF is a financing mechanism that provides SMEs with financial capital to contribute to their recovery and/or expansion. Increasing access to capital SMEs provides a clear path for the resumption or expansion of economic activities, the creation of additional jobs and opportunities for businesses to invest in their future. Primarily, through the EDF, IOM provides funding assistance to primary and secondary economic sectors that were successful prior to the COVID 19 pandemic but have suffered loss or damages since the onset of the pandemic.  The EDF places a strategic focus on labour-intensive and growth sectors. The financial grant is based on an evaluation of needs, the potential for job creation of the selected businesses, and a business plan. 

Entrepreneurship trainings: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Training targets male and female graduate, undergraduate students, and University graduates from both the host community and refugee community aged between 22 and 35 through a call for applications. The training  teaches soft skills and 3D prototyping technologies to business-minded youth in line with the 11th National Development Plan of Turkey  which is giving priority to high-technology and export-oriented investments, and innovation programmes that fosters economic growth in the project-based incentive system in order to attract more international investments as well as creating skilled workforce. 

Community farming: IOM supports food security and livelihoods projects in south eastern provinces through simultaneously structured to create a learning opportunity to assist the beneficiaries to increase their access to the agricultural sector. The project will be enhancing agricultural knowledge of Syrian refugees and host communities to expand livelihood opportunities and building resilience through increased livelihood opportunities and strengthened social cohesion for Syrian refugees and host communities.

Job Placement (JP): The program aims to support underemployed and unemployed Syrians under Temporary Protection find meaningful employment, in line with their current skills and areas of expertise. IOM will assist in matching available, able and willing Syrians with companies registered in Turkey that are willing to hire employees.