Homs Hosts ‘Entrepreneurial Imprints’ Forum to Support Women’s Projects
The Homs Chamber of Commerce hosted the ‘Entrepreneurial Imprints’ forum this Saturday, a dedicated initiative designed to support female entrepreneurs and spotlight their innovative projects, with a particular focus on the handicrafts sector.
The event was organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Homs in partnership with the Homs Chamber of Commerce and the Basmeh & Zeitooneh organization. The collaborative effort seeks to open new horizons for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increase their visibility and impact within the local community.
The forum served as an interactive platform where female entrepreneurs shared their successful business experiences. It also provided a space to discuss the specific challenges faced in professional and manual work, while facilitating networking opportunities between business owners, stakeholders, and interested parties in the sector.
Samia Sarkis, National President of JCI Syria for 2026, emphasized that the initiative is part of the organization’s broader strategy to support women with entrepreneurial ideas. She noted that the forum aims to provide genuine opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of investment and commercial expertise.
Representing Basmeh & Zeitooneh, Hakam Al-Bunni, the organization’s director for western Syria, highlighted the role of the organization in empowering women through specialized training programs. These programs include capacity building, technical training, and the provision of both material and in-kind support. According to Al-Bunni, the organization has been working for years to ensure the sustainability of SMEs, aiming to connect female entrepreneurs across various Syrian regions to bolster their economic contributions.
The forum also featured presentations on several field experiences, including the ‘Basma wa Athar’ project by Nada Nouyan, which focuses on handicrafts such as accessories, painting, and Arabic calligraphy, and the ‘Little Hand’ project owned by Iman Sammaq. The participating women noted that such gatherings are essential for overcoming obstacles related to securing raw materials and accessing markets. They stressed that raising community awareness regarding the quality and value of handmade products is a fundamental step toward the long-term success and continuity of these ventures.
This forum takes place amid growing interest in small-scale and manual projects, which are increasingly viewed as vital contributors to the local economy. Organizers aim to empower women to scale their businesses and reach a broader consumer base both within Homs and beyond, by hosting exhibitions and events that showcase distinctive Syrian production driven by women’s efforts.
