Past projects
Microfinance in the Palestinian Territory
Microfinance has proved to be one of the most effective instruments in helping to stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs and generate income for the poor.
The Portland Trust partnered PlaNet Finance from 2006 - 2009 to provide together €550,000 in support of the Palestinian Network for Small and Microfinance Institutions (Sharakeh). This sum was complemented by a grant of €750,000 from the European Union for a three year action plan to help build capacity in the microfinance sector. The Portland Trust also advised the network on operational and structural changes to improve its effectiveness.
The Microfinance Network was successfully established and now offers training, back-office and marketing services. Over the three year period it is estimated that an additional 70,000 people benefited from microfinance.
For more information on the Palestinian Microfinance Network, please visit Sharakeh's website.
For more information on PlaNet Finance, please visit the PlaNet Finance web site.
Winners of the first ever Palestine Best Micro Entrepreneur Award announced (October 2008)
Exports Assessment
The Portland Trust commissioned a competitive assessment tool to rate Palestinian companies' viability to export. We believe this will allow donors to target their support to the most promising companies.
The tool was launched in February 2008. 33 companies were assessed and 19 were then provided with additional funding from the New Market Development Facility at the UK Department for International Development (DFID). A paper analysing the results of the exports tool was published by The Portland Trust in December 2008.
Please click here for the Palestinian Exports: Best Practice paper
Local Suppliers for the Affordable Housing Programme
The Portland Trust, in partnership with the Palestinian Federation of Industries, explored how the local manufacturing industry could be mobilised to supply the materials required for the construction of affordable housing projects. A number of workshops were held for developers, local suppliers, and government officials, and a detailed assessment of challenges facing local suppliers was undertaken. Site visits and meetings were arranged between the developers and local suppliers.
Handicrafts
In 2007 The Portland Trust commissioned a market study to identify the handicraft products that have a competitive edge and international appeal. This followed inquiries from large US retailers about stocking Palestinian handicrafts.
