Women-Led Businesses in Jordan Eligible for WEIDE Fund Grants and Technical Support

Strategic Insights -

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have launched the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund in Jordan, providing women-led businesses with opportunities to strengthen their digital capabilities and expand into global markets. The initiative is jointly funded and managed by the WTO Secretariat and the ITC, with a focus on unlocking opportunities for women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in digital trade. Jordan is the latest country to join the WTO-ITC WEIDE Fund programme, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs to trade, create jobs, and contribute to their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WEIDE Fund offers grants to women-led businesses in Jordan, with two types of grants available: Discovery Grants of up to USD 5,000 for early-stage businesses, and Booster Grants of up to USD 30,000 for companies ready to scale their digital and export operations.
  • The application window in Jordan runs from 29 September to 26 October, and will be implemented in partnership with the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO).
  • The WEIDE Fund has attracted over 69,000 applications in its first round, with 236 beneficiaries selected for support in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, and Nigeria.
  • Successful applicants gain access to mentorship, technical support, and international business networks.
  • The fund is supported by the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasize the importance of empowering women in digital trade to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

Statistics:

  • USD 50 million: The total funding allocated to the WEIDE Fund designed to unlock opportunities for women-led MSMEs in digital trade.
  • 69,000: The number of applications received in the first round of the WEIDE Fund.
  • 236: The number of beneficiaries selected for support in the first round.
  • 2: The number of types of grants offered by the WEIDE Fund: Discovery Grants and Booster Grants.
  • USD 5,000: The maximum amount of a Discovery Grant.
  • USD 30,000: The maximum amount of a Booster Grant.
  • 29 September to 26 October: The application window for women-led businesses in Jordan.
  • 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi: The location and date of the launch of the WEIDE Fund.

Sources:

  • World Trade Organization (WTO) - Official press release.
  • International Trade Centre (ITC) - Official press release.
  • WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - Statement.
  • ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton - Statement.