Small Enterprise Center (SEC)

The Small Enterprise Center (SEC) – Palestine was established in June 2002 within the context of a technical assistance project, financed by Germany and implemented by German Cooperation (GTZ) over the period 2002- 2008, to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development in Palestine. SEC was officially registered with the Palestinian National Authority as an independent, non-profit organization in February 2008, pursuant to the Law of Charitable Associations and Community Organizations No.1 of 2000. SEC is spearheading Palestinian SME development efforts through a range of advisory and technical assistance services with direct benefits for the entire economy. Operating from its headquarters in Ramallah and regional offices in Bethlehem and Gaza, the Center is also actively engaged in informing Palestinian economic policies, while bringing focus and synergy to existing support services and donor funded initiatives targeting SMEs. SEC’s achievements were made possible by strategic cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding with: Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Gaza Chambers of Commerce, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Rural Women Development Society, Portland Trust, PFI, PALTRADE, Birzeit Continuing Education Center, Tomorrow Youth Organization, GTZ, and ILO. The Center has also established itself regionally, as a board member of Arab Union for Small Enterprises (AUSE), And CEFE International. (See annex 2 and www.sme-pal.ps).