Formal Businesses/MSMEs Registration Project

Background

Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries. Lebanon Branch of Concern worldwide operates in North (Tripoli/T5), Akkar and Beirut Governorates and has its main office in Mina, Tripoli.

Under the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM) fund, US, Concern Lebanon Livelihoods Program is currently implementing a “Businesses /MSME s Formal Registration” Project that mainly encourages the formalization of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME s) and their operations in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, which paves the way  for income increase and sustainability of livelihoods of both vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian Refugees owning and/ or working in the enterprises and that of their communities.

Preference of Agri & Agro -Food Businesses

Agriculture in Lebanon is absorbing a large number of Syrian refugees, this sector has faced many challenges that increasingly restricts its development and reduces its opportunities for growth. Agricultural Enterprises among others in different sectors are the drivers for economic growth and job creation in Lebanon. For this purpose, the project will target agri & agro –food businesses (preferred but not limited) and any relevant businesses to encourage sector transition to formality and promote decent job opportunities for both men and women entrepreneurs.

 Led by Livelihoods Labour Law and Decent work Specialist, this project includes the following services:

1.  Awareness on basic legal regulations for operating and registering businesses including required documents, due fees, duration of registration completion, basic tax rules and relevant matters.
2. Handling the overall process of business formal registration in North Commerce Registry and /or Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture of Tripoli and North (CCIAT)
3. Covering the majority of business registration fees. 
4. Provision of a business registration certificate once the registration process is completed.
5. Guiding beneficiaries on submission of Declaration of Commencement of Activity, Income Tax Declaration and other legal obligations.

Criteria for participation:

This legal support targets Lebanese Entrepreneurs and Business Owners running agri-businesses or agro -food businesses (preferred but not limited). The selection of the businesses will be based on the following criteria:

Restrictive criteria:

• Already established  or starts-ups businesses located in North Lebanon (including T5) & Akkar
• Business operates in a Commercial Centre (A deed Property or a new lease agreement ratified by municipality)
• Business owners aging above 18 years old
• Business owners having basic literacy level
• Micro, Small and Medium sized  Enterprises

Preference criteria:

• Lebanese owned businesses partnering with and/or employing Syrian Refugees
• Businesses established by youth and /or women
• Businesses currently employing or with high potential for job creation/ income generation for one or more of the following groups: women, youth, elderly, and people with specific needs (PWSN) or caretakers of PWSN
• Entrepreneurs/businesses adopting innovation/creativity mind-set and having potential for growth and export
• Businesses that respect the gender equality in employment
• Businesses who previously did not receive a registration service from Concern.