Our model and our goals, honestly.
Here is the theory of change we work by and the results framework we will measure against. The figures are a working model and intended goals, not achievements yet, and we commit to measuring impact and disclosing it annually.
Why the economy, and why now
Syria's recovery runs through its private sector, and small and medium enterprises are its backbone. The capability and the demand exist; what is missing are the bridges.
A first bridge carries graduates from an idea to a real company: early capital, licensing, workspace, and mentorship. A second connects viable existing enterprises to finance they struggle to reach today.
This is where the forum works: a trusted local partner, non-profit and taking no equity, building these bridges so ventures launch, enterprises are preserved, and jobs are sustained.
“If we give founders and viable enterprises the missing bridges, then sustainable ventures and enterprises launch, grow, and create jobs, because the capability and demand exist and the missing piece is the bridge.”
Theory of change
A results chain linking the resources we put in to the impact we seek.
Inputs
Grant funding, the forum's team and expertise, a network of mentors, partners, and diaspora, and governance and policies.
Activities
The incubator (independent selection, mentoring, founding grants), SME empowerment (training and advisory, a finance bridge), and market access and diaspora linkage.
Outputs
Registered graduated ventures, strengthened finance-ready enterprises, and market and finance links.
Outcomes
Ventures and enterprises that survive and grow, eased finance, and jobs created and preserved.
Impact
A contribution to national economic recovery through a stronger, more inclusive private sector.
By the numbers
Figures represent the working model, contingent on funding; not achievements.
Results framework
The strategic outcomes the forum contributes to, their indicators, and the program contributing to each.
Viable startups launch and grow
Number of registered graduated ventures, and the survival-and-growth rate after twelve months.
Existing enterprises are strengthened and reach finance
Number of enterprises supported, volume of finance facilitated, and the survival-and-growth rate.
Jobs are created and preserved
Number of jobs created and preserved, at support and after twelve months.
Links to markets and diaspora
Number of links and deals, and diaspora finance facilitated.
How we measure and report
- We measure outcomes against the OECD-DAC criteria, through the forum's own monitoring and evaluation framework.
- Baselines and targets are set in a per-program baseline study before each program begins.
- The Board adopts this framework, its adoption is recorded in the decision log, and it is reviewed as the programs evolve.
- An independent annual financial audit covers all resources and expenditures, and the forum is non-profit and distributes no profit.
- The lending capital that reaches enterprises is separate and larger, handled by financial institutions, and sits outside the programs' budget.
Reports library
Annual reports and audited financial statements will be published here over time.