Under the theme "Together Towards Local Development in Jbeil District", Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development (MIF) and Fransabank in coordination with the Mayor Assembly of Byblos and Vitas, launched the Micro-Credits program to finance small businesses and crafts in Jbeil district. The program consists of offering up to 60 loans divided between donations and loans with no interests, provided to individuals who need funding to expand their businesses in the field of industry, agriculture, commerce, services, handcrafts, etc...
The launching event took place on December 8, 2016 in Byblos Sur Mer Hotel in the presence of Dr. Toni Michel Issa founder of MIF, Mr. Nadim El Kassar General Manager of Fransabank, mayor Michel Gebran President of the Mayor Assembly of Byblos, and Mr. Ziad Al Halabi General Manager of Vitas Lebanon, along with media representatives and key figures mainly the governor of Bekaa Judge Antoine Sleiman representing former President Michel Sleiman, former Minister of Environment Mr. Nazem Khoury, mayor of Amchit Dr. Antoine Issa, mayor of Ehmej Mr. Nazih Abi Semaan, coordinator of Lebanese Forces in Jbeil Mr. Charbel Abi Akl, the representative of Future movement Mr. Talal Zein Eddine, the Director of the Lebanese Red Cross in Jbeil Mrs. Berthe kallab, Sheikh Ahmad Lakis representing Imam of Jbeil Sheikh Ghassan Lakis, in addition to mayors from all over Jbeil district.
In his speech, Dr. Issa explained that the Micro-Credits program is a unique initiative that is based on the strategic partnership between the private sector and the civil society to strengthen the capabilities of the local community in Jbeil and encourage people to work in their hometowns. He then invited other financial institutions and banks to follow the same path by engaging in similar projects all over Lebanon.
Mr. Kassar shed light on the Corporate Social Responsibility of Fransabank and its commitment to financing small business through fast and secure funding to guarantee a better life for individuals and families. He highlighted the significant impact of such financing on reducing poverty, unemployment and migration to the cities.
Mr. Gebran highlighted the importance of this national initiative especially that it revitalizes and revives hand crafts and individual businesses. He then expressed the Assembly's full support to this forgotten sector.
Mr. Halabi assured that the project aims at achieving social and economic development all over Lebanon with a main focus on rural areas. He then assured his belief in the capacity and strategic role of small businesses in supporting economic growth nationwide.
This program comes in line with fulfilling MIF objectives in mobilizing local resources and skills, and creating opportunities for self employment and income generation in hometowns and rural areas for an active contribution to local development.
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