• Partnerships

Building Hope Through Innovation: Startup Syria and Near East Foundation Partner to Strengthen Local Entrepreneurs

3 min readFebruary 2026

Startup Syria and the Near East Foundation (NEF Belgium) have signed a three-year strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support startups and MSMEs across Syria, focusing on digital/financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Startup Syria is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with the Near East Foundation (NEF Belgium) to empower Syrian entrepreneurs and drive inclusive economic recovery.

On February 19, 2026, both organizations signed a three-year, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to support startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Syria. The partnership focuses on expanding access to entrepreneurship support, digital and financial tools, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, with special attention to vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.

Combining local expertise with global vision

By combining NEF’s long-standing expertise in economic development across the Middle East, Africa, and the Caucasus with Startup Syria’s deep understanding of the local startup ecosystem, the collaboration will help founders access investment, mentorship, capacity building, technical guidance, and more.

Key priorities of the collaboration

•Empowering startup and small enterprises: Providing crucial access to investment infrastructure, mentorship programs, and targeted capacity building.
•Promoting digital and financial inclusion: Equipping local founders with modern digital assets, platforms, and financial tooling to scale operations.
•Fostering decentralized recovery efforts: Creating robust localized networks that drive bottom-up innovation and advance community economic stabilization.
•Developing scalable livelihood models: Establishing reproducible business and training structures that generate long-term employment opportunities.

Commitment to lasting impact

Together, Startup Syria and Near East Foundation are reaffirming their shared commitment to building a more resilient and innovative future for Syria, one where entrepreneurs have the tools, knowledge, and community support to rebuild local economies and shape lasting change.

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