The SRTF and Near East Foundation Begin Loan Disbursements Under Phase II of the Revolving Credit Fund Initiative in Northern Aleppo

Türkiye - Friday, 21 March 2025 –The Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF), in collaboration with Near East Foundation (NEF), have commenced loan disbursements under the "Revolving Credit Fund to Support Livelihoods Recovery in Northwest Syria – Phase II".

This follows ongoing  field outreach verification visits, which were conducted by NEF’s field team, who collect the relevant data from loan applicants to aid them in assessing their eligibility to receive the loans.

Meanwhile, online training sessions are being offered to eligible borrowers at NEF’s Siraj Centres on business development, life skills, financial literacy, marketing, and market access to enhance their capacities and support them in establishing and expanding their businesses effectively. Additionally, eligible borrowers receive in-depth training at the centers, along with ongoing mentoring and coaching sessions led by professional master trainers.

This contributes to the overall aim of advancing entrepreneurs’ small and micro-enterprises in different fields through individually tailored loans, including micro, development, agricultural, growth and emergency loans, with a focus on women, youth, persons with disabilities, female-headed households and households without earners. The aim is to increase borrowers’ revenues and incomes and improve unemployment rates, skills and  household ability to meet basic needs. This will inevitably strengthen the local economy as funds revolve.

John Ashby, CEO of Near East Foundation, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, "At NEF, we know that access to finance, combined with tailored training and support, can transform lives. By partnering with SRTF to provide these loans, we are helping individuals and families build sustainable livelihoods, drive local economic growth, and create lasting change in their communities."

SRTF Director General Eng. Hani Khabbaz, emphasized the program’s impact, stating:
"Through our collaboration with NEF, we are not only providing financial assistance but also equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to grow their businesses. This initiative is a crucial step toward rebuilding livelihoods, fostering economic independence, and supporting the populations in targeted areas and contributing to the economical recovery in Syria."

The revolving credit fund initiative has so far achieved great results, with a combined total of 4,383 loans disbursed across previous phases in Northern Syria, of which 2,266 loans have been fully paid.

For more information on this project, visit:

Revolving Credit Fund (RCF) to Support Livelihoods Recovery in Northwest Syria – Phase II

For more information on the SRTF, visit:

http://www.srtfund.org

Media outlets may contact:
communications@srtfund.org