Encouraging Haredi
Entrepreneurs
In Israel, 44% of Haredi (ultra-orthodox) Jews live in poverty, and Haredi-owned businesses are smaller and earn 55% less than those owned by the general population. These disparities stem from barriers such as gaps in business skills, financial and digital literacy, limited networking, bureaucratic challenges, and low-income expectations.
Since Haredim make up one third of Jerusalem’s population, developing businesses in this community is key to reducing poverty and fostering economic growth in the city. MATI was among the first organizations to support entrepreneurs from Jerusalem's Haredi community. We bring in Haredi consultants and mentors to work with Haredi men and women separately, adapting our service to the community's needs and cultural expectations.
MATI PROGRAMS FOR HAREDI ENTREPRENEURS
SUPPORTING HAREDI ENTREPRENEURS
Our goal is to equip Haredi entrepreneurs with the knowledge, personalized guidance, and financial planning support they need to grow their businesses and improve access to funding. Through our community-based “Schunot” (neighborhood) Business Workshops & Courses, we also create an infrastructure of support and shared impact for Jerusalem small business owners in the city’s tight-knit Haredi neighborhoods.
Our programs provide professional tools, knowledge, and support to help them start their own businesses, boost their income, expand beyond their communities, and create more jobs. Our “Blessings of Business” Program runs workshops and training courses for new entrepreneurs, individual mentoring, loan application and business consultancy services, plus business accelerators, support programs and Haredi networking events for Haredi business owners. Our JIMF Microfinance program offers interest-free micro loans for Haredi women entrepreneurs.
PLANS FOR 2026
Organizing and promoting two business skills workshops for Haredi men and women entrepreneurs.
2025 IMPACTS FOR HAREDIM
Haredi clients started, grew, or expanded businesses with MATI’s help
Haredi business owners attended MATI workshops, webinars & events
Haredi clients received one-to-one Business Consultancy
hours of one-to-one Business Consultancy for Haredi clients
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Our partners for Haredi-specific projects include the Municipal Employment Authority of Jerusalem, relevant Community Centers around the city, and The Gilbert Foundation.
