Call for applications in Jordan for women entrepreneurs to tap WTO-ITC fund

(Amman/Geneva) - Women entrepreneurs in Jordan can apply for funding, skills training and links to business networks with the launch of a call for applications for the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund in the country.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched the call for applications, open as of 29 September, as part of a joint initiative to equip women-led businesses to sell in international markets through digital trade.

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) account for up to 90% of businesses and at least 50% of jobs in many countries. Yet, women-led MSMEs often face challenges in accessing knowledge, resources and networks necessary to grow, create jobs and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Digital literacy, access to finance and trade can help women-led MSMEs achieve this.

The WEIDE Fund offers:

• Discovery Grant (up to $5,000): For early-stage businesses exploring digital trade opportunities.

• Booster Grant (up to $30,000): For businesses ready to scale up and expand into global markets.

Eligibility requirements:

• Women-led businesses registered and operational in Jordan.

• Export-ready and interested in digital trade.

• Demonstrable potential for business growth and job creation.

Application period: 29 September - 26 October 2025

More information and application, https://www.wto.org/weidefund, weidefund [at] intracen.org (weidefund[at]intracen[dot]org)

Beyond financial support, selected businesses will receive technical assistance, mentorship and access to international business networks, helping them build long-term competitiveness and resilience.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General: 'Digital trade is transforming the global economy, creating opportunities that no one can afford to miss - especially women entrepreneurs. The WEIDE Fund reflects the WTO Secretariat's commitment to equip women-led businesses with the knowledge, resources and networks they need to trade, create jobs and contribute to their communities. By empowering women in Jordan, and around the world, we are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future for all.'

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director: 'Women entrepreneurs face specific barriers to trade. Through the WEIDE Fund, we're not only addressing a top need - lack of funds - but supporting women-led businesses to sell in international markets by ensuring they have the skills and networks to put that funding to work. We're here to see long-term growth and impact.'

The WEIDE Fund in Jordan is implemented in partnership with the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), a government-affiliated entity that supports private sector competitiveness in global markets.

The WEIDE Fund has been made possible through the support of the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The WEIDE Fund was launched at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

Notes for the editor

About the World Trade Organization - The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. The WTO has 166 members, accounting for 98% of world trade. The WTO is run by its member governments. All major decisions are made by the membership as a whole, either by ministers (who meet at least once every two years) or by their ambassadors or delegates (who meet regularly at the WTO's headquarters in Geneva).

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Media Contact

Brian Walker

WTO Senior Communications Officer

Brian.Walker[at] WTO.org(Brian[dot]Walker[at]WTO[dot]org)

About the International Trade Centre - ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit https://www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Flickr

Media contacts

Diana Manfredi

WEIDE Fund Communications Consultant

Dmanfredi[at] intracen.org(Dmanfredi[at]intracen[dot]org)and weidefund[at] intracen.org