Overview
Azem project was initially developed as an emergency response, and later evolved into an approach that supports longer-term sustainability and local economic resilience by engaging Community-Based Organizations CBOs, Micro and Small Enterprises MSEs and Home-Based Business HBBs owners, Azem prioritizes active local community members, who can identify opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to durable, community-led solutions in vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas. Local actors are often positioned to understand their communities, and address shared challenges. However, they do not have adequate access to trust, support or resources. Azem helps bridging this gap by building on BDC’s long-standing knowledge of local context and experience working in remote areas, enabling effective outreach to vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Moreover, there has been strong demand for initiatives such as Azem from government institutions seeking practical solutions and trusted partners to translate national strategies into realistic results. Azem responds to this demand by aligning with national priorities on poverty reduction, unemployment and local. The project also supported the implementation of Jordan National Social Protection Strategy (2019-2025) which aims to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
In 67 villages across several governorates (with 90% located in the South) affected by Covid-19, Azem supported 108 young people (80% female) and 54 community-based organizations (CBO) to develop and launch their small businesses. As a result, 255 sustainable jobs were created 77% of which were for women under the age of 24, in the most vulnerable areas of Jordan.
At the economic level, Azem supported sustainable employment and self-employment solutions in vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas, helping reduce unemployment pressures and strengthen household livelihoods. The project also contributed to improving access needed goods and services through newly established local businesses, while reinforcing social protection, particularly for youth and women in the most vulnerable areas in Jordan.
At the community level, Azem expanded young women access to the labor market by addressing social barriers and promoting positive attitudes toward women’s participation in the private sector. By leveraging CBO networks and local resources, the project helped translate community ideas into viable micro-businesses, strengthening local ownership and social cohesion.
At the social level, Azem strengthened hope amongst youth by promoting self-employment as a realistic pathway and supporting participants with the skills and guidance needed to launch income-generating activities. The project also contributed to safer and more stable income opportunities for women and their households.
BDC’s expertise and efforts to achieve Azem’s objectives:
BDC conducted area-based economic mapping and outreach to local needs, in close coordination with all relevant government entities (Ministry of Social Development, and Municipalities). Field visits were used to validate community priorities, confirm partner readiness, and align interventions with capabilities.
BDC implemented a rigorous selection process for eligible CBOs, micro and small enterprises, and home-based businesses (CBOs, MSEs, HBBs) who will benefit from the seed-fund. This included clear eligibility and evaluation criteria, pitching days, documentation review, and administrative compliance checks to ensure fairness, quality, and readiness of selected projects to receive grant support.
To ensure transparency and proper use of funds, BDC managed procurement directly by purchasing, delivering, and paying for equipment and material required for each selected project. This approach strengthened compliance, transparency, reduced risks, and ensured that support was tailored to actual business need.
BDC provided continuous operational support, mentorship, follow-up through field visits, progress documentation, and targeted skills support to improve business sustainability. The project also promoted accountability and ownership through cost-sharing and joint investment, such as additional purchases, provision of premises/space, and additional equipment.
Throughout the different phases of the project, demand from individuals and organizations (CBOs) to join the Azem increased as the competitiveness and visibility of beneficiaries improved. While bring strong community knowledge, BDC contributed its business development expertise and experience in enabling sustainable employment and self-employment solutions. BDC provided the selected organizations with additional means to sustain and upscale their businesses, strengthening their recovery and long-term viability.