USAID  •  IACCI  •  INITIATIVES FOUNDATION

NAJAH MICRO GRANTS

New Alternative for Justice, Achievment & Hope

■ Program Metrics
1,000+ Targeted Micro Grants
$10,000 Max Capital injection per grant
"Impossible is Nothing" Dedicated Local Team
■ Overview

Welcome to NAJAH

NAJAH (meaning "Success" in Arabic) represents an innovative USAID grant initiative designed to jumpstart or expand micro and small businesses in the greater Baghdad area. Implemented by the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACCI) and driven by our brave, talented local Iraqi staff, NAJAH introduces cutting-edge marketing and logistics methodologies to microfinance.

From high-impact mass billboard campaigns, targeted test marketing, database analytics, to dedicated applicant orientations, the "Impossible is Nothing" team ensures transparent, data-driven deployment of resources.

"Throughout the program lifecycle, NAJAH facilitates over 1,000 targeted grants of up to $10,000 each. These grants inject vital economic capital directly into communities, creating sustainable jobs, offering essential local services, boosting standard of living, and building structural stability from the ground up."
■ Our Mission

Revitalizing Baghdad's Economy

THE CHALLENGE

Capital Scarcity & Instability

Decades of conflict and neglect have left Baghdad’s economy vulnerable. Building a resilient society requires a direct infusion of capital and practical skills to rebuild local commerce. Historically, a lack of structural opportunities and high unemployment have driven vulnerable youth toward instability or migration.

THE SOLUTION

Direct Microfinance Activation

By providing targeted financial grants and professional SME training, NAJAH provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a decisive launchpad. This initiative fuels the organic growth of small businesses, transforming individuals from job-seekers into job-creators while anchoring community security.

■ Operations

Recruitment & Operations

Operations rely heavily on modern outreach, leveraging billboard advertising, direct flyer distributions, and structured telemarketing campaigns across key market areas.

01
Community Recruitment Panels

Two to three trustworthy community leaders form local district committees to distribute applications and pre-screen prospects.

02
Verification & Database Archiving

Once initial applications are gathered, NAJAH field experts perform on-site visits and register files inside secure database ecosystems.

03
Grant Procurement

Selected businesses sign contracts, receive essential equipment or raw materials worth up to $10,000, and launch with direct technical assistance.

NAJAH Billboard
High-visibility recruitment billboard deployed in targeted Baghdad markets.
■ Real-world Success

Success Stories

Explore the concrete, human impact of targeted microfinance grants.

Car Service Shop

"Mr. Ali leveraged his grant of $5,327 to procure tools and diagnostic machinery, opening his own car service shop. This enterprise secures a sustainable livelihood and delivers essential mechanics to his local neighborhood."

Mr. Ali Ja’afr Jawad

Al-Karada, Baghdad • Age 27

Grant: $5,327
Auto Sector
Print Shop & Internet Café

"By combining a $5,407 USAID grant with $3,300 of personal capital, this entrepreneur established a dynamic print shop and internet café. Crucially, the expansion created 4 immediate jobs, building local digital literacy."

Print Shop & Internet Café

Baghdad, Iraq

Grant: $5,407 Equity: $3,300
Technology & Education
Grocery Store Project

"Ms. Hanaa utilized her micro-grant to launch a brand new grocery store, bringing fresh farm-to-table food supplies closer to local families and creating a crucial economic anchor in the Kadhemiyah community."

Ms. Hanaa Ali Andab

Nur District, Kadhemiyah • Age 43

Targeted Micro-Grant
Commerce & Food
Carpentry Factory

"Mr. Ameer obtained a $5,940 grant to purchase heavy woodworking saws and carpentry machinery. This critical funding allowed him to expand factory operations and hire 7 local workers, providing immediate family stability."

Mr. Ameer Rasheed Mohammed

Thawra 7, Sadr City • Age 39

Grant: $5,940
Manufacturing
■ Training Curriculum

SME Training Program

Infusing intellectual and operational capacity into Iraqi-owned enterprises.

Program Objectives

The primary goal is to equip micro-business owners and aspiring professionals with highly sought-after digital, linguistic, and financial capacities. In doing so, NAJAH enables leaders to grow sustainable operations and empowers job seekers with advanced skills to find positions in competitive markets.

Target Trainees

Trainees fall into two primary cohorts: current owner-managers of micro-shops who are prime candidates for direct grant funding, and young professionals seeking career-defining skills in modern sales, bookkeeping, administration, and marketing.

NAJAH Training Program Layout
Business Edge 1 Business Edge 2 Business Edge 3

Business Edge (IFC)

Procured directly from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), trainees receive highly structured textbooks in Arabic. These courses utilize diagrams, charts, and test-marketing templates covering marketing, book management, and personal productivity skills.

English 1 English 2 Computer 1

English & Computer Literacy

For international language skills, the curriculum employs the rigorous **New Headway Series** published by Oxford University Press. Digital literacy is built directly on the global **ICDL curriculum**, ensuring students master computer operations.