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Spotlight on Scale Hub

Empowering Start-ups in Lebanon

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Spotlight on Scale Hub

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in any economy, serving as the backbone for growth and innovation.

 

Despite their importance, and in normal economic circumstances, SMEs face a myriad of challenges that can limit their growth and success. Some of these are; access to finance and limited access to resources, such as technology and skilled labor.

 

But what if these SMEs were facing additional severe crises in an already fragile economy?  

 

The crises in Lebanon began in late 2019 and have only intensified and spread in recent years. This has led to a severe economic downturn, high inflation, and a shortage of foreign currency, among other challenges.

For SMEs in Lebanon, the crisis has meant a decrease in demand for their products and services, as well as difficulties accessing power supplies, raw materials, and retaining staff. 

 

Thousands of SMEs have struggled to keep their businesses afloat, leading to thousands of layoffs and closures. A few brave enterprises in the country are still striving to adapt, and dare we say, grow.

In the absence of government intervention, multiple stakeholders in Lebanon are working to provide SMEs with financial support and incentives to help them stay afloat.

 The Scale Hub program, implemented by The Nawaya Network, is one such initiative. 

It provides support to start-ups in the green, technology, and social sectors, three critical sectors for the future of the country.


Scale Hub launched earlier this year and aims to help twenty start-ups become advanced businesses with clear business models and stronger financial sustainability plans.


And while supporting twenty SMEs might not even make a dent in the market in such circumstances, we do believe in the power of little actions towards big results.

If you are too, please read on to learn more about the first Scale Hub cohort that consists of eight enterprises!

Ramy’s Ecological Farm

Ramy’s Ecological Farm operates in the green sector.

 

Its founder, Ramy Badawi, aims to leave positive imprints on food security, the environment, and social stability in Lebanon.

 

Ramy’s business started small, like many other typical farms in Lebanon. Since launching, Ramy’s dedication, creativity, and intelligence have driven him to diversify his products and services to include food processing, education, agriculture and farming, ecotourism, and many others.

 

We will be looking forward to seeing and sharing the effects of the Scale Hub program on Ramy’s SME.

Fresh strawberries from Ramy's Ecological Farm.
Fresh strawberries from Ramy's Ecological Farm.

Mortben

Mortben was founded by Hanin Ghannam who is on a mission to reduce solid waste by providing ready meals in glass jars instead of plastic packaging.

 

By doing so, she aims to reduce plastic waste, which is a significant contributor to pollution in Lebanon. 

 

Mortben promotes recycling  as it encourages customers to return the jars and reuses them, thus cutting costs and normalizing the recycling culture in Lebanon. Hanin reports  a whopping 70% jar reuse rate among her customers.

 

In addition, Mortben employs rural women, therefore providing them with a much-needed  income they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access. 60% of Mortben’s team comes from rural areas

Delicious breakfast sample from Mortben's weekly menu.
Delicious breakfast sample from Mortben's weekly menu.

Climberspace

Climberspace operates in the social sector. The founder, Georges Issa, created his own machinery to start creating footwear for climbers and t-shirts as part of a social initiative.

 

Climberspace’s footwear aims to be more accessible, unique, and affordable, and their products are designed to tell a story of social impact. 

 

Clinberspace is creating its own outdoor footwear and has expanded to the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, serving a niche market of outdoors enthusiasts.

 

We look forward to catching up with Georges once he completes the program to check how it has benefited his business.

Recycled shoes by Climberspace
Recycled shoes by Climberspace

UWYTA

Margot Wehbe, the innovative mind behind UWYTA, is leading the way in the green sector by transforming used food packaging into eco-friendly products.

Her commitment to sustainability extends beyond her business, she is an active speaker at various relevant  market fairs and exhibitions, raising awareness about a cause that’s near and dear to her heart.

Recycled bag from UWTA start-up
Recycled tote from UWYTA.

Ground Vertical Farming

Ground Vertical Farming is a green business that targets farmers and greenhouse owners.

 

The founder Mitri Harmouche, created an innovative hydrophilic planting system offering automated solutions for temperature, humidity, and irrigation in greenhouses.

 

Mitri is hoping to expand to the MENA region to share his knowledge and benefit more farmers around the region.

Example of vertical farming

Pure Farms

Marcel Joe Hoayek, founder of Pure Farms, is using hydroponic procedures to cultivate nutrient-rich micro green products and establish sustainable practices.

He also produces homemade “mouneh” and organic honey using high-quality and sustainable ingredients. Pure Farms’ commitment to eco-friendly measures such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste is setting a new standard for the agricultural sector.

Organic honey from Pure Farm.
Pure Farm's organic and delicious honey.

U Paint

U Paint is a fun customized painting kit that allows users to explore their artistic side.

 

Mohamad Abbas, the founder, turns your pictures or portraits into a fun painting game.  Every U Paint kit includes a canvas with numbered areas, numbered acrylic paint cups, and brushes. 

 

This kit can help turn even the most inexperienced user into an artist.

Sample of U Paint's customized painting kit
Customized painting kit from U Paint.

Grade A Plus

Jocelyne Saade, the mastermind behind Grade A Plus, has found a unique way to reduce waste and make the world a better place. Rather than letting sheep wool go to waste and pollute the environment, she is turning it into a range of eco-friendly products that are both sustainable and useful. 

From cozy blankets to efficient roll insulation and nutrient-rich pellet fertilizers, Jocelyne’s upcycling techniques are a game-changer for the environment and the market.

Grade A+_Insulation Installation
Wool installation on the wall.

Would you like to learn more about the Scale Hub program and the remaining participating start-ups?

 

Make sure to follow us on social media and please remember to share your thoughts with us and the blog with your friends. Our aim is to shed light on these inspiring start-ups and their truly inspiring work.

 

Are you eligible to apply for the Scale Hub program?

 

Meet the authors:

Celine Akkary

Marketing and Communications Director

Rima Wahab

Communications Officer

Scale Hub

Is funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration Spark.