Getting Beirut back in business

The August 4th explosion in the port of Beirut didn’t just destroy homes, it also destroyed livelihoods.

Avo is a 28-year-old small business owner and the sole caretaker of his two elderly parents. He owns a small grocery shop in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon.

Avo’s shop was completely destroyed in the blast. The windows were broken and the ceiling, shelves and products were damaged. Avo did not have the means to make the necessary repairs to maintain his business.

With the support of the Humanitarian Coalition and a matching fund from the Government of Canada, CARE Canada distributed grants that allowed small business owners like Avo to repair the damages caused by the blast and save their livelihoods.

Thanks to the grant money, Avo was able to pay his rent, his repair debts, and restock his shop with spices, nuts and chocolate.

“The business improved after I paid the rehabilitation debts through the grant,” says Avo.

The explosion in the port of Beirut added another level of complexity to an ongoing economic crisis. Small businesses in Lebanon are an important part of the local economy, and many have been struggling.

Thanks to CARE Canada, small businesses owners in Lebanon can continue to provide essential services to the people of Beirut, and help to fuel the local economy.