“My husband and I work together and manage our business together. Sometimes I feel tired and exhausted because I am six months pregnant, but this does not stop my support for my home and work. I feel confident and self-reliant, able to balance work hours and household duties, as well as build a good future for my children. We are thankful for USAID support and transferring knowledge that ignited our work. Now we are dreaming to see our brand more famous.”—Mrs. Ruqaia, co-owner of a gourmet food company in Manbij

Mrs. Ruqaia and Mr. Moustafa first opened their gourmet food company in Manbij, Syria in 2022, it was an instant success. Powered by an all-female full time staff of five, the small start-up immediately began receiving favorable responses from retailers and distributors for its specialty canned foods, like jams, pickles, dried vegetables and pastes made from homemade recipes. Happy with the quality and lower prices of this company’s products compared to more expensive imports, several new buyers expressed interest in long-term commercial partnerships involving monthly delivery commitments and new products. Although the company invested $5,000 in new equipment to meet this increased demand, it did not have the technical knowledge to efficiently run the new machinery or support expansion plans, and it had no formal quality control/assurance system. As a result, product output was inconsistent which caused major delivery delays and significantly hampered sales growth.

To help this promising startup, USAID, through the Economic Management for Stabilization Program (EMS) intervened. USAID provided demand-driven, company-specific technical training, including best practices in food safety, hygienic food handling, and recipe development standards. USAID also introduced high-quality operating and quality control systems.

Within weeks, this small startup was able to improve its production lines, expand operations, better utilize its new equipment, and develop new high-quality products.

The new product offerings–12 upgraded recipes–are based on USAID’s analysis of local demand. Additionally, the company has been able to produce 1.5 tons of high-quality date molasses in one week, enter the Qamishli market for the first time, and secure sales in Manbij—a market traditionally dominated by molasses products from Aleppo and Damascus.

USAID also advised this startup on export compliance with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) regulations and required documentation. As a result, the company was able to export a total of 500 kilos of pepper molasses to the KRG for the first time. The increased profits have allowed the fledgling company to invest $1,500 in a new “burner” and recipe mixture.

The success of this small, woman-run start-up is creating jobs and supporting the region’s independence from imports while helping meet local demand for food products. Hiring women is also helping to improve the lives of many Syrians impacted by the war.

“My father died during the war,” said one of Al Mamoun’s young female workers. “I am happy to have this proper job to help support my family, and this new knowledge I am learning about food security and production will open doors for me, or help me advance.”