Economic opportunity
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Photo: Sean Sheridan for Mercy Corps
Markets, whether large or small, keep communities thriving. But conflicts, disasters and a lack of infrastructure can prevent people from conducting the daily transactions on which all growth and progress depend. Around the world, Mercy Corps discovers why commerce is stuck.
In some places, manufacturers need loans to purchase equipment and young people desire job skills. In others, key transportation routes to market must be rebuilt or farmers require better storage to keep their inventory fresh until sold.
Our economic development projects provide financing, equipment, training or technical support. These projects help people find jobs, build their businesses, supply their communities with the goods they need —and improve their lives.
All stories about Economic opportunity
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Lebanon: Iktimal in Lebanon June 14, 2004
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Afghanistan: Lending a Hand and a Little Bit More June 1, 2004
A long line of women extends down the staircase of the Ariana Financial Services Group (AFSG) office in Kabul. The women are eagerly waiting to collect their small business loans.
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Afghanistan: A Flame of Hope May 24, 2004
As Khadija Naziry darts from vats of melting wax to a large tray of metal candle molds, her pronounced limp almost goes unnoticed. Her energy and passion mask the past decades of hardship she suffered living in Kabul through wars, violence and oppression.
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Afghanistan: A Blooming Business in Kabul May 21, 2004
Name: Ahmad Shah RahimiAge: 25 yearsLocation: District 10, Kabul (Afghanistan) With the fall of the Taliban regime over two years ago, Ahmad’s flower business has begun to bloom.
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Afghanistan: American-Style Baby Swings Sell Well in Afghanistan May 21, 2004
Name: Najeeba HaidariAge: 36 yearsLocation: District 10, Kabul (Afghanistan)
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Afghanistan: Asian Fashion for Kabul Women May 21, 2004
Name: Nadjia ShujaeeAge: 33 yearsLocation: Bagh-E-Zanana Women’s Market, Kabul (Afghanistan)
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Afghanistan: Afghan Woman Selling to Women May 21, 2004
Name: Aziza RajabiAge: 45 yearsLocation: Bagh-E-Zanana Women’s Market, Kabul (Afghanistan)
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Afghanistan: The Wedding Singer May 21, 2004
Name: Parviz SharifiAge: 25 yearsLocation: District 1, Kabul (Afghanistan)
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Afghanistan: Hatching a New Business May 21, 2004
Name: Fawzia Mohammad HazanAge: 35Location: District 7, Kabul (Afghanistan) Over the din of hundreds of cheeping little chicks, Fawzia explains the business plan for her newly launched chick farm.
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Afghanistan: Bicycle Shop Owner Runs Brisk Business May 21, 2004
Name: Obaidulhah HabbibullahAge: 48 yearsLocation: Charqala Wazirbad, District 10, Kabul (Afghanistan)