21-11-2024 | di COOPI

Jordan. COOPI supports business formalization through inclusive legal awareness sessions under the Bothoor project

COOPI- Cooperazione Internazionale's project “BOTHOOR– Inclusive growth and development of Micro-enterprises and Economic Empowerment in the Jordanian Governorates”, funded by The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is enhancing support for micro and home-based businesses (HBBs) in Jordan, by launching "Inclusive Legal Awareness Sessions" to help Syrian refugees and Jordanian inhabitants legalize and register their businesses. These workshops, which began on November 4th in Russaifah and will expand to Um Al Jimmal area in Mafraq, Irbid, and Al-Karak governorates, provide crucial guidance on registration processes and legal requirements.

The initiative brings together representatives from key government departments, including the Central Commercial Registration Department, Income and Sales Tax Department, Social Security Corporation (SSC), Municipal Licensing Authority, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These sessions foster economic empowerment, offering opportunities for increased income and business stability by equipping business owners with the necessary resources and facilitating an open dialogue between stakeholders and the entrepreneurial community.

The legal awareness sessions provided comprehensive guidance on various sector-specific regulations, including the need for pre-approval from specific government authorities and the optional nature of business names for home-based businesses. Participants received detailed information on the registration process, tax exemptions, and the importance of maintaining accurate accounting records for tax assessment. The sessions also emphasized the significance of registering with the Social Security Corporation for worker protection and insurance coverage. Additionally, the it also covered the occupational licensing process, including occupancy permits and municipal inspections, as well as the food safety approval process to ensure health standards are met, protecting both business owners and their communities.

COOPI’s one-stop shop model is designed to simplify the process of business registration by bringing together representatives from various relevant associations in one place. This approach allows beneficiaries to receive all the necessary information and guidance in a single location, rather than having to visit multiple offices. It provides a holistic approach to business formalization, ensuring entrepreneurs have access to streamlined resources and clear guidance from various departments. By fostering open dialogue, COOPI is helping micro-businesses establish a secure footing in Jordan’s economy, empowering them to access formal markets and contribute to local economic growth.

The legal awareness sessions have received positive feedback from participants. One participant remarked:

 

 I didn’t know the process of registration is easy and affordable." 

 

 

Another participant highlighted the benefits of formalization, stating:

 

 I now understand the importance of registering our business in order to expand and grow." 

 

 

These testimonials underscore the value of the sessions in empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to formalize their businesses and pursue growth opportunities.

COOPI has been working in Jordan since 2017, in a difficult scenario characterized by a massive influx of refugees, making an already very fragile economy unstable. Promoting access to education and child protection, preventing sexual and gender-based violence and providing psychosocial support are at the heart of the organization’s interventions in the country, along with supporting the economic development of vulnerable groups.