ILO strengthens capacities to promote sustainable employment through SIYB training in Lebanon

As part of its sustainable enterprises’ development programme, the ILO is strengthening entrepreneurship and job creation to support Lebanon’s economic recovery through projects funded by the EU, the Netherlands and Sweden.

7 April 2025

Beirut (ILO News) – In line with its mandate to promote decent work and inclusive economic growth, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in close collaboration with key national partners, is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s recovery through the promotion of entrepreneurship and sustainable employment. A key initiative in this effort is currently underway, as the ILO—together with Lebanese institutional stakeholders—launches the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop which takes place from April 4 to 15 in Beirut.

This ToT workshop is conducted in partnership with key public institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET), Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), and the Lebanese University. It targets representatives of these institutions as well business development service providers, financial service providers, and NGOs and individual experts.

This training forms part of the ILO’s broader strategy to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Lebanon, and is implemented through three of its key projects in the country: the EU-funded ENABLE programme, the Netherlands-funded PROSPECTS programme and the Sweden-funded BOUZOUR project. The implementation of all three initiatives is led by the ILO and reflect a unified commitment to advancing sustainable job creation, institutional capacity-building, and enterprise development in Lebanon.

The SIYB ToT is part of a multi-phase, two-year strategy to cultivate a national pool of highly skilled SIYB trainers and master trainers. The programme aims to institutionalize quality entrepreneurship training by embedding it within Lebanese institutions, ensuring scaled-up long-term impact and sustainability.

a lady giving a presentation — Petra Akoury - SIYB Master Trainer Candidate during the launch of the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop from April 4 to 15 in Beirut.

The training is being delivered by master trainer candidates who have been mentored and supported by the ILO over the past two years. Under the guidance of SIYB master trainer developers, these trainers are now equipped to deliver high-standard entrepreneurship training adapted to Lebanon’s socio-economic context.

The SIYB programme, globally recognized for its practical, context-sensitive training materials, targets small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly from marginalized or underserved communities. The training model follows a three-tier structure comprising master trainers, trainers, and entrepreneurs, ensuring rigorous quality control and ongoing capacity development.

Recognizing the pivotal role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in economic recovery, the ILO stresses the importance of empowering these businesses. In Lebanon, MSMEs represent over 95 per cent of all enterprises, with micro-enterprises alone accounting for 73 per cent according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade. Yet, these businesses face systemic challenges that hinder growth and job creation. The SIYB training responds directly to these needs by enhancing resilience and improving skills for entrepreneurship.

Peter Rademaker, ILO Deputy Regional Director for the Arab States giving a speech — Peter Rademaker, ILO Deputy Regional Director for the Arab States during his remarks at launches the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, April4, 2025, Beirut Lebanon.

During the opening of the training, Peter Rademaker, ILO Deputy Regional Director for the Arab States, emphasized the significance of this moment in the broader vision of the SIYB programme. He stated, “It is a milestone in a two-year process for developing SIYB master trainers, and most importantly, for establishing SIYB as an ILO quality-oriented product put at the service of Lebanese institutions in a sustainable way.” His remarks underlined the ILO’s commitment not only to technical capacity-building, but also to ensuring that Lebanese institutions are equipped to carry forward the programme independently, reinforcing long-term national ownership and sustainability.

As this 10-day training progresses, participants are not only gaining technical expertise but also becoming part of a growing network of committed SIYB trainers. The aim is for these individuals and their institutions to carry forward the torch of entrepreneurship development, making SIYB a cornerstone of Lebanon’s employment and economic recovery strategy.