Entrepreneurship in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community — Funds, Programmes & Success Stories

State of Entrepreneurship in the Community

As of 2025, over 300 businesses in Israel are owned by Ethiopian-Israelis. Most common: restaurants (Ethiopian cuisine), textiles, tourism, tech services. However, the year-1 survival rate is 54% — below the 71% national average. The fix: professional business advice and access to credit.

Funds and Credit

Maof Fund — The Main Tool

Maof Fund gives loans of 30,000–500,000 ILS at subsidised rates (prime + 1.5%) for businesses in minority communities up to 7 years old. Comes with mandatory 6-12 months of business coaching. 📞 03-5121000 | maof.org.il

ISOC — Grants for Tech/IT

Grants of up to 50,000 ILS for tech businesses owned by founders from diverse communities.

3 Community Models

Oritha Restaurant (Jerusalem): Selamawit Tesfaye opened in 2019 with a Maof loan. Now 3 branches, 18 employees — 70% from the community.

Tech.IL (Tel Aviv): Yosef Mengiste, Tech-Career graduate, launched a SaaS startup in 2022. Raised 600K from angels.

📞 Maof: 03-5121000 | ESOC: esoc.org.il