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MiniSTEPNAU Call 2025
Launching Skills, Support, and Self-Reliance

2.2 Minutes
Gloria Halasa is a Communications Officer at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in Jordan. With a degree in Languages and Translation, she has experience in NGOs . She is multilingual, fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, English and Italian, and also has a keen interest in photography and composing articles.
  Gloria Halasa
Mini STEPNAU2025

On April 30, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom’s STEPNAU Refugee Unit in Jordan convened refugee entrepreneurs, alumni, freelancers, and the project team to inaugurate the MiniSTEPNAU Call 2025. The session was opened by project lead Lilian Haddad, who reaffirmed STEPNAU’s mission: to bridge skills gaps and unlock economic opportunities for refugees in Jordan through tailored support services rather than cash stipends.

The event highlighted STEPNAU’s strategic shift from short-term relief toward sustainable, long-term growth. Participants shared their evolving challenges—ranging from legal and licencing hurdles to branding, digital presence, and market access. The upcoming needs‑assessment survey was introduced as a pivotal tool for designing individualised support packages.

Maher, an alumnus of STEPNAU ’23 specialising in hologram technology, described his experience: “Licencing and legal procedures have been challenging; I partnered with a Jordanian national to manage registration and banking. Targeted legal assistance would be transformative.” Ahmad, from STEPNAU ’24, added that “access to app development services through STEPNAU would fill a critical gap, enabling entrepreneurs to bring digital solutions to market.” Tariq, also a STEPNAU ’23 alumnus, emphasised the role of AI: “Using AI tools helped refine my business concept and understand market trends. Expanded AI support would uplift many ventures.”

What Sets MiniSTEPNAU Apart

MiniSTEPNAU builds on a two‑year journey of targeted programming, skill‑building, and economic empowerment. To date, 110 refugee participants have acquired essential digital economy and freelancing competencies designed for resilience. Forty alumni from STEPNAU ’23 and ’24 advanced to the final program stages, presenting early‑stage ventures or freelancing models underpinned by open market principles.

The initiative leverages in‑kind corporate partnerships—pro bono legal consultations, discounted web services, and app development—to maximise impact. Each partnership is time‑bound and impact‑driven, reinforcing accountability and a culture of commitment. Through these collaborations, participants gain access to professional expertise that transcends traditional aid models.

Next Steps in the MiniSTEPNAU Journey

As MiniSTEPNAU progresses, personalised support will be provided in three key areas:

  • Venture Structuring: Early‑stage ideas will be refined into viable business plans.

  • Scaling Operations: Revenue‑generating ventures will receive coaching on market expansion and sustainability.

  • Community Mentorship: Alumni networks will be strengthened through peer mentorship and collaborative workshops.

A diverse roster of service providers—web developers, branding studios, legal advisors, and workshop facilitators—has been onboarded to work hands-on with participants. This collaborative framework embodies the Foundation’s commitment to freedom and self-reliance, ensuring that each entrepreneur’s journey is supported at every step.

With a clear roadmap and robust partnerships, the MiniSTEPNAU Call 2025 serves as a launchpad for lasting success. By transforming ideas into action and fostering individual achievements, STEPNAU continues to pave the way toward economic empowerment and self-sufficiency for refugees in Jordan.