The Ness Loan Fund, administered by the Jewish Agency for Israel and funded by the Jewish Federation of Central NJ recently made it possible for two Young Communities to open small businesses in the Negev - a vineyard in Mitspeh Ramon and a neighborhood cafe in Beersheba. These two ventures are only a sample of an exciting trend happening across Israel: The creation of social-economic ventures that are run by Young Communities in the Negev, Galilee and Jerusalem.

These business loan funds support and nourish new businesses, and aid in the development and expansion of existing businesses, particularly along Israel's periphery regions. In this way, the funds help reduce unemployment and act as a driving force for economic growth.

As part of its work in the Negev, Galilee and Jerusalem, the Priority Regions Division believes that realizing the development potential of Israel's periphery and creating a climate for the development of economic ventures and social opportunities, will generate change and growth in these areas that need support. As such, the division also works to strengthen and establish Young Communities whose members choose to live in the periphery on a permanent basis, and who initiate and operate a range of social ventures in the areas of education, the community and welfare.

Providing loans for Young Communities' ventures also acts as a springboard, paving the way for new alliances to bring about the advancement of periphery regions, both in terms of their economic and social welfare.

The Kama community near Beersheba opened Ringelblum Cafe around eighteen months ago and has now applied for a loan in order to expand the cafe. The cafe personnel employ and train youth and, in so doing, provide them with life skills and a supportive community and social network.

The Midbara Ka'Eden community in Mitspeh Ramon is in the process of establishing a vineyard. The new venture is designed to generate new life in the desert region, create jobs for the community members and also to encourage them to remain in the region.

These two ventures offer significant social vision for the region and, at the same time, their success is all the more important in providing future sources of livelihood for the communities which have set their future in these national priority regions. 

Click here for more information on the Ness Fund and other exciting initiatives!