What is EDF?

The primary goal of the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) is to accelerate economic recovery by providing financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) negatively affected by crises. This fund not only helps businesses stay afloat but also contributes to the creation of new job opportunities. SMEs facing economic difficulties are given the chance to continue their operations with the support of the EDF and can participate in restructuring processes. This allows not only the recovery of businesses but also the revitalization of local economies where these businesses are located.

Additionally, another important objective of the EDF is to create sustainable livelihoods and promote inclusive business models. While prioritizing projects that support environmental sustainability, the fund also encourages the participation of marginalized groups in the economic system. The EDF takes into account not only short-term solutions in the economic recovery processes but also long-term sustainability goals, thus helping to ensure lasting economic development in regions affected by crises.

What is CDF?

The Cooperative Development Fund (CDF) is a support program implemented to strengthen cooperatives in Turkey. This fund gives priority to cooperatives that include refugees and migrants as partner members, employees, or suppliers. The grants provided under the program help cooperatives grow their businesses, increase their capacity, and create sustainable job opportunities.

By supporting projects that promote inclusivity and entrepreneurs offering innovative solutions, the CDF contributes to economic recovery processes. It specifically aims to revitalize economic activities for communities affected by crises such as conflict, climate change, and displacement. The program also takes steps to repair essential infrastructure and provide financial support in these communities.

The Cooperative Development Fund focuses on cooperatives struggling to survive due to challenges they face, with the goal of increasing their resilience and promoting economic development.

What is Livelihood?

Livelihood refers to the means by which individuals and communities sustain themselves economically, enabling them to secure the necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing, and other essential resources. As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shifts its approach towards integration, it also emphasizes the importance of sustainable livelihood solutions.

The IOM's Livelihoods team plays a crucial role in bridging the skill sets of migrants with the existing gaps within the Turkish labor market. Currently, the team offers a range of initiatives to support this goal. These include grants designed to aid the initiation or expansion of businesses, projects related to community farming, vocational training, and various interventions based on the specific needs of the targeted groups.

By promoting opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, the IOM aims to empower refugees and others to become self-reliant, acquire valuable skills, and contribute to the local economy of their host countries. This approach not only reduces the strain on humanitarian assistance programs but also benefits the resources of the host communities.