Updates from the field
October 28, 2024
Photo credit: Clay Cook Photography Unseen
In the wake of the devastating conflict and genocide faced by Christian communities in Iraq, rebuilding lives and restoring hope has been a monumental challenge. Families that had once thrived in the Nineveh Plains and Sinjar regions saw their homes, businesses, and livelihoods destroyed by the invasion of the Islamic State (ISIS). Left with few options, many fled the country, and those who remained struggled to rebuild amid continued political instability, economic marginalization, and persecution. For many of these survivors, the path to recovery seemed insurmountable—until an initiative aimed at rebuilding lives through small businesses and economic empowerment was launched.
In 2017, Shai Fund, in partnership with Mercury One's Nazarene Fund and with local organizations, launched the project “Peacebuilding and Self-Sustainability Through Transformational Livelihoods and Small Businesses for Persecuted Christians in Iraq.” Since then, we have started over 110 businesses in the region. In 2023, for example, with an investment of $70,000, the project aimed to empower displaced and returning Christian families by helping them create sustainable livelihoods, re-establish businesses, and gain economic independence.
The goal was to help these communities rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose by providing the tools and financial support needed to start small businesses—ranging from restaurants and retail shops to professional services like automotive diagnostics and dental practices. These businesses would not only support the families who started them but also spark broader economic recovery in regions long devastated by conflict.
Over the course of 11 months, the project supported the establishment of 11 small businesses across the Nineveh Plains, directly benefiting 52 individuals and indirectly impacting nearly 9,888 through the goods and services these businesses provided. These businesses gave returning Christians—who were often excluded from government aid programs—the chance to support themselves and their families while rebuilding the local economy.
Some of these businesses included a grill restaurant in Baghdede, a dental clinic in Bartilla, a men’s clothing store, and a confectionery business. These enterprises restored not only economic activity but also hope and a sense of stability for families who had lost so much.
Fadia, who lost her catering business during the ISIS invasion, was one of the beneficiaries of the project. With the grant she received, she was able to relaunch her catering business with professional equipment and a renewed focus. "I never got over losing my business," Fadia shared. "Thanks to you, I can now put the past behind me... This helps me focus on the future of my family." Her story, like many others, is a testament to the power of economic empowerment to rebuild not just livelihoods, but lives.
The project exceeded its initial goals in record time. By the fifth month, the businesses had generated a collective net income of $80,197.98—fully covering the $70,000 investment made in the project. According to the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) report as of September 2024, 10 out of the 11 businesses had reached their break-even point within 11 months, and the total net income of these businesses was 2.93 times the original investment!
This rapid success demonstrates the resilience of these communities and the potential for entrepreneurial ventures to restore both economic stability and personal hope. What’s more, many of the businesses were started by young individuals who, despite being forced to abandon their education due to the conflict, took up the mantle of responsibility to rebuild not just for themselves but for their entire communities.
Samir, who reopened his grill restaurant in Baghdede, summed up this sense of purpose: "Thanks to your support, I am now able to re-open my business. This helps me overcome the trauma of loss and gives my family a future."
The success of the small businesses goes beyond just profit margins. They serve as anchors for displaced and returning Christians, allowing them to remain in their ancestral towns rather than emigrate in search of opportunities abroad. By creating local jobs, providing essential services, and stimulating economic activity, these businesses are helping to combat the continued displacement of Christian minorities from Iraq.
In addition to economic empowerment, the project also focused on building local capacity. BNOW staff were trained through a "train-the-trainer" model to assess businesses, manage operations, and track progress, ensuring the sustainability of future projects. This focus on long-term skills development helps ensure that the economic growth generated by these businesses can be sustained and expanded.
Perhaps one of the most profound impacts of the project has been the mental and emotional renewal of the survivors. Many beneficiaries reported significant improvements in their mental health, with the sense of having a future once again. During interviews, nearly all participants expressed that being able to work, earn, and plan for the future had given them a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
One business owner shared, "Your support brings light back to our souls. It helps us move from darkness and fear to hope and possibility."
While the initial project has been a resounding success, the work is far from over. With the remaining funds from the initial investment and repayments from the businesses’ profits, additional businesses will be established to further strengthen the economic resilience of these communities. The idea of “paying it forward” is now a core principle within these business communities, ensuring that the benefits of this project will continue to multiply in the years to come.
The “Peacebuilding and Self-Sustainability Through Transformational Livelihoods and Small Businesses for Persecuted Christians in Iraq” project has not only rebuilt lives but has created a model for how small investments in entrepreneurship can yield large-scale social and economic benefits. Through this project, Christian communities that once faced extinction are now regaining their dignity, economic power, and future.
In a region still marred by instability, these businesses stand as beacons of hope—proving that even in the darkest times, with the right support, communities can rebuild and thrive.
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