Individual financial assistance to support microbusiness initiatives

The BLOOM (Building Livelihoods and Opportunities for Optimised Markets) program — an initiative of the international humanitarian organization Mercy Corps with support from the UK Government through UK Aid, aimed at reducing dependency of households and micro-businesses on humanitarian aid and supporting their economic self-sufficiency and recovery after war. Individual cash assistance is intended to purchase equipment, tools or other means needed to start or grow a business.

Eligible applicants include:

• internally displaced persons and local residents in government-controlled territories; 
• self-employed individuals, households and micro-entrepreneurs affected by war.

Individual cash assistance may be used to purchase equipment, tools or other means to start or grow a business. (no full list of non-eligible costs in available sources).

Purchase of equipment, tools or other assets to start or grow a business.

Submit an application via  https://bloom.mercycorps.org/page/QDzYWmDp

Grant selection criteria under the BLOOM program are shared:

• social or financial vulnerability; 
• business idea with growth/impact on jobs; 
• clear need for financial support; 
• social or inclusive business impact; 
• relevant experience/skills; 
• positive business reputation.