Embedded Files
2021 Evaluation: Surviving COVID-19 & Thriving
2021 Evaluation: Surviving COVID-19 & Thriving
An independent evaluation conducted in 2021 by EDU Station, a Bethlehem-based skills development and consultancy centre, surveyed 60 women who received JIMF loans and MATI training between 2015 and 2019. The results speak clearly to the program's effectiveness:
83% of respondents said the training was suitable for implementing their business
77% reported that their administrative and financial skills increased through the training
81% said they would recommend the training to friends or relatives
76% felt the training was well-suited to the unique business environment of Jerusalem
The evaluation found a clear connection between the training and the long-term survival of the recipients’ businesses. The combination of an interest-free loan with structured training and a well-developed business plan resulted in businesses remaining open for longer. Home-based businesses tended to develop new products or services faster than store-front businesses; after approximately two years of operation, many home-based entrepreneurs had gained enough experience and confidence to make the leap into a physical storefront.
Even amid the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants credited MATI's training, particularly in digital marketing, customer handling, and risk management, with helping them to adapt, pivot, and in many cases avoid accumulating significant debt during business closures.
2026 Evaluation: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
2026 Evaluation: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
MATI Jerusalem carried out an internal evaluation in March 2026 among 23 women from East Jerusalem who received JIMF loans from MATI during 2025. Each of these women entrepreneurs had received an interest-free loan of 18,000 NIS to help them open or operate their home-based business.
The micro-businesses supported were in different sectors: fashion and clothing, beauty & personal care, childcare services, food businesses, and other services. The loans helped them to improve their equipment, expand their services, or offer more products, and 70% of the entrepreneurs reported an increase in customers.
One year on, 91% of the businesses were still operating. 82% reported an increase in income, contributing to an improvement in their family’s economic situation. 40% had hired other people, creating new jobs and providing income for other community members.
This survey shows that the JIMF microfinance program supports women entrepreneurs in Jerusalem to establish and develop small businesses, improving their household income, and helping their ventures to survive and thrive.
Page updated
Report abuse