DAHIL Project has been a beacon of hope for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like Muhammed’s in Hatay, Adana, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa, both before and after the February 2023 earthquakes. The project was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by SPARK. 

SPARK is the Amsterdam-based international non-governmental organisation operating in 14 regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Since its founding in 1994, it has assisted young people in building their future in these regions, providing education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for women and refugees.

The project ended in November 2023, but its positive imprint remains.

Stating that the project has faced serious challenges, such as COVID-19 and devastating earthquakes, SPARK’s Country Manager Halil Can Emre says: “Regardless of this, SPARK demonstrated agility and flexibility in terms of achieving successful results that align with the project objectives. Although the project was designed as a pilot, we managed to reach out to businesses led by refugees and host community members, increasing their capacity to integrate with the financial system. SPARK is grateful to our donor, the EU, and colleagues in the EU Delegation to Türkiye for all the support provided during the implementation. SPARK established a loan guarantee for refugee-owned businesses, using its own resources and additional support received from Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society, which complements the success of the DAHIL project.”

Revitalising small and medium businesses

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, states: “Beyond aiding SME owners in their efforts to extend livelihoods and businesses, the DAHIL Project played a pivotal role in contributing to reconstructing economic and social life after a significant crisis and the February earthquakes. I am profoundly pleased to see the concrete outcomes of this project, serving as a source of hope for SMEs in regions of humanitarian crisis and earthquakes.”

The project’s accomplishments include the training of 450 SMEs for enhanced financial access, business skills training for 250 SMEs through Chambers of Commerce, and the establishment of 40 new businesses.

The project’s support was especially crucial for entrepreneur women. One of them is Nesrin Alhasan. A former law student from Aleppo turned entrepreneur with a textile workshop in Şanlıurfa. Being a woman and a refugee possessed some challenges for her.

Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye

Nesrin Alhasan at the fair in Gaziantep

The DAHIL project, with the support of the EU Regional Trust (MADAD) Fund, enabled Nesrin to attend an expo in Adana. MADAD Fund contributes to addressing the critical needs of Syrian refugees and the displaced members of host communities in their own country.

Post-expo, Nesrin participated in a business networking event in Şanlıurfa, where she engaged with potential business partners and explored export opportunities. She has also sets her sights on the sports textiles.

From babysitter to entrepreneur

Rahaf Shami from Syria is another entrepreneur woman who benefited from the project. While Rahaf was working as a babysitter in Gaziantep, Rahaf's English skills opened doors to a job at a non-governmental organisation. She went from a novice struggling with basic email writing to a sought-after professional. Then she met DAHIL, and it provided her with Findeks and Credit Score training, leadership consultation, legal advice, and material support. She founded the Advocacy and Support Provider Team for Solutions and Capacity Development (ASP Team), dedicated to providing consultation services in various sectors and registered it.

Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye

Rahaf Shami, the entrepreneur of DAHIL

She says: “When I started my company, I didn't have any income for more than six months. Now we have over 30 clients!”

She partnered with a Turkish company at the DAHIL's Business Networking Event. Now, the ASP Team, under Rahaf’s leadership, serves and consults clients on education, protection, shelter, employing over 20 individuals.

Stories about EU-Türkiye cooperation