The Evangelical Association for Sustainable Development in Minya (EASD) proudly participated in a workshop organized by the Rural and Environmental Industries Support and Rural Revitalization Fund (REIS Fund) under the Ministry of Social Solidarity, titled “Preparing Technical Plans for Economic Empowerment Projects”, with participation from several civil society organizations working in economic and social development.

The workshop was inaugurated by Ms. Angie El-Yemani, Executive Director of the Fund, in the presence of Ms. Nancy Asaad, Director General of Economic Empowerment at the Ministry, and Mr. Medhat Abdel-Rasheed, Economic and Social Empowerment Consultant. The sessions highlighted the Fund’s procedures and requirements for accessing financing under the economic empowerment component.

The workshop emphasized the Fund’s renewed vision for 2024, aiming to expand its role in financial inclusion and economic empowerment, providing financing, attracting investments, and supporting vulnerable households, going beyond traditional economic empowerment mechanisms.

Participants were introduced to funding application models, including basic data forms, technical work plans, budgets, and environmental and social safeguards, as well as approaches to integrate training and technical support with asset transfer, production tools, business linkages, and productivity improvement—enhancing value-added activities and promoting collective projects in partnership with the private sector.

The workshop also highlighted the role of civil society organizations as implementing partners, including mapping communities, identifying the most viable economic activities, and supporting beneficiaries to implement business plans and achieve economic independence.

EASD’s participation reinforces its commitment to supporting economic empowerment projects, enhancing beneficiaries’ capacities, and strengthening strategic partnerships with government and civil society actors to achieve sustainable local development.