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Small Business Loans — UJIA-KIEDF in Jerusalem
Social loan fund for community small-business owners. Up to ₪200,000, subsidized interest, no bank collateral. UJIA-KIEDF funded by British-Jewish community.
About Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel's capital, hosts a large Israeli-Ethiopian community concentrated historically in the Gondar neighbourhood in the north and with significant presence in Kiryat HaYovel and other areas. The city is home to the Centre for Ethiopian Jewish Heritage and several traditional synagogues led by kessim, alongside a broad housing market.
What the fund offers
- Amount: up to ₪200,000 per business
- Subsidized interest: prime - 2% (varies)
- Repayment period: up to 5 years
- No bank collateral: only personal guarantors
- Business mentorship: free mentor for every borrower
Who is eligible?
- Existing business owners (1+ year operating) — OR a solid business plan for a new venture
- Community members (Ethiopian-Israeli / Falash Mura)
- Israeli-registered business — VAT + corporate ID
- No criminal record for tax offenses
Process
- Initial application: via ujia.org → form + business plan
- Interview: with fund coordinator + assigned business mentor
- Credit committee: reviews case (~3 weeks)
- Signing: loan contract + guarantors
- Disbursement: funds in account within a week
Tip: Kurat (another community org) provides mentorship to community members BEFORE application — helps with business plan writing.
Related rights
Community Mortgage — 600,000 ILS for Ethiopian-Israelis
Govt loan for Ethiopian-Israeli families: ₪600,000 over 25 years, 0% interest for the first 10, 2% for the next 15. Allocated by annual lottery (~200 families).
Tax Benefits for New Immigrants (5/10 years)
10-year income tax exemption on foreign income, enhanced tax credits for 5 years, customs exemption on personal effects. Applies to all olim — including Ethiopian-Israelis.
Klita Basket — Absorption Aid for New Immigrants
Monthly cash payment to new immigrants during the first year post-aliyah. Amount varies by family status and age.
Klita Basket for Ethiopian Olim — Complete Guide
Ethiopian olim and Falash Mura immigrants receive an extended klita basket: monthly stipend, adjustment grants, ulpan voucher, 6-month health coverage, and vocational training.
