AMMAN, Nov. 10 (Petra) -- The Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) on Tuesday launched a new program to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt environmentally sustainable practices, improve operational efficiency and reduce production costs.

The Green Transformation Program will provide businesses with technical and financial assistance to modernize their operations, make better use of energy, water and other resources, and minimize waste.

Under the initiative, up to 30 enterprises will undergo assessments to determine their readiness for adopting green practices, while between 7 and 10 businesses will receive financial grants of up to JD 15,000 each. The grants will cover as much as 60 percent of eligible project costs, with beneficiaries required to finance the remaining amount themselves.

JEDCO will lead the program's overall management and coordination, oversee implementation and provide financial assistance. The National Fund for Enterprise Support (NAFES) will contribute to delivering the program's activities and technical services, while the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), through its project supporting green activities in industrial enterprises, will provide specialized expertise, environmental assessments and capacity-building support.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Ghaleb Hijazi said adopting greener business practices offers companies an important opportunity to achieve sustainable growth, improve their market position and keep pace with evolving market demands.

He explained that the initiative was designed to address the practical challenges businesses face in improving their production processes and reducing the resources required to operate.

Hijazi said the program supports the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision, particularly its focus on building a sustainable, environmentally friendly economy. He added that improving resource efficiency would not only strengthen business performance but also contribute to national economic growth while limiting the environmental footprint of commercial and industrial activities.

He noted that participating enterprises would receive assistance throughout their transformation journey, starting with environmental awareness and assessments and extending to technical consultations, financial grants and guidance on accessing green financing.

Each beneficiary will receive a tailored transformation plan identifying the improvements needed, the proposed interventions and the expected results.

Hijazi stressed that funded projects must demonstrate measurable improvements, such as lower electricity and water consumption, reduced waste generation and more efficient use of available resources. Progress will be monitored through performance indicators adapted to each enterprise's activities.

He urged interested industrial and service-sector businesses to consult the program guidelines, check the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documentation. He also encouraged applicants to submit practical project proposals that address specific operational challenges and clearly outline their expected environmental and economic benefits.

For his part, NAFES Chief Executive Officer Moath Alawin said SMEs play a central role in Jordan's economy and are among the main contributors to employment, making it important to strengthen their ability to adapt to changing economic and environmental requirements.

He pointed out that many businesses face growing pressure to remain competitive while managing high energy expenses, improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

Alawin said the green transition could help businesses address these challenges while creating new opportunities for expansion and long-term sustainability.

He explained that NAFES, operating under the Higher Council for Science and Technology, supports small and medium-sized private-sector businesses through financial assistance and co-financing arrangements designed to help promising ideas develop into viable and competitive projects.

He added that the new initiative forms part of Jordan's wider efforts to advance the Economic Modernisation Vision, promote sustainable growth and accelerate the transition towards a green economy. It also contributes to the Kingdom's commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and international climate action agenda.

Alawin stressed that achieving these objectives requires practical changes at the business level, including introducing energy-saving measures in factories, reducing water consumption and helping companies develop environmentally compliant products that can compete in international markets.

He said such improvements could turn national economic priorities into tangible results across different parts of the Kingdom.

The program will cover businesses in four governorates: Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Aqaba, targeting both industrial and service-sector enterprises.

Its implementation will focus on three main areas: raising environmental awareness and developing business capabilities, conducting environmental assessments, and providing direct technical and financial assistance.

According to Alawin, the program aims to ensure that 80 percent of the enterprises implementing green measures achieve improvements that contribute to reducing emissions, energy and water consumption, strengthening competitiveness and opening new opportunities in environmentally friendly export markets.

The program is also intended to establish a national model that can be expanded and replicated following the completion of the project, while supporting the creation of green jobs.

Meanwhile, GIZ representative Simon Floeth described the initiative as an important pilot project that will help businesses translate environmental commitments into practical improvements in their daily operations.

He said the program would support companies in adopting sustainable business models and making more efficient use of available resources, expressing the agency's commitment to contributing its technical expertise to the initiative.

Floeth noted that helping industries move towards sustainable production requires a combination of specialised knowledge, appropriate technologies and financial support. He emphasised that environmentally responsible practices can also deliver significant financial returns for businesses.

He cited recent technical consultations with several industrial companies that identified considerable potential for reducing energy consumption and improving production efficiency. Recommended measures included reorganising manufacturing processes and replacing outdated machinery with more energy-efficient equipment.

He added that the program would help businesses make better-informed investment decisions by offering free technical consultations to assess existing operations and identify areas for improvement before committing to larger investments. Enterprises may also have the opportunity to obtain initial financing to help implement the recommended development measures.

Floeth stressed that SMEs are essential to economic development and that helping them adopt sustainable practices is important for maintaining their competitiveness and ensuring business continuity.

He also underscored the need for closer cooperation between government institutions, private-sector companies and financing partners to achieve meaningful results for individual businesses and the wider economy.

As part of the launch activities, JEDCO organised an introductory workshop attended by representatives of small, medium-sized and micro-enterprises. Participants were briefed on the application process, eligibility requirements, selection procedures and other details related to joining the program.

//Petra// WH