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Small Business Loans — UJIA-KIEDF in Rishon LeZion
Social loan fund for community small-business owners, run with KIEDF (Koret Israel Economic Development Funds) and UJIA's investment arm. The fund publishes no loan ceiling — ask it for its terms in writing.
About Rishon LeZion
Rishon LeZion is home to a large, active Israeli-Ethiopian community, historically concentrated in the Ramat Eliyahu neighbourhood — originally built as absorption housing and now a long-standing community centre. The neighbourhood is at the heart of urban-renewal efforts, alongside a growing second-generation presence across the city.
What the fund offers
- Amount: the fund publishes no loan ceiling. This site previously stated ₪200,000 on one page and ₪150,000 on another — two contradictory figures with no source. Both were removed
- Interest, repayment period and collateral: set with the fund. Ask for them in writing before relying on any term
- Business mentorship: the fund offers accompaniment; its scope is set with them
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
Note: an earlier version of this page recommended "Kurat (another community org)" here. "Kurat" is a corruption of Koret — the K inside KIEDF itself, not a separate organisation. The recommendation was removed.
Ethiopian community in Rishon LeZion
- Community population
- ~12,000
- Share of city
- ~8%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת אליהו, נחלה
- Community services
- תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי
More rights in Rishon LeZion
This right in other cities
FAQ — Rishon LeZion
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Rishon LeZion?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Rishon LeZion numbers approximately ~12,000 residents — around ~8% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת אליהו, נחלה.
- How do I claim Small Business Loans — UJIA-KIEDF in Rishon LeZion?
- Apply via the relevant government body in Rishon LeZion. For support: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
- What community support is available in Rishon LeZion for this right?
- In Rishon LeZion, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
Related rights
Yozmim Esek — Business Entrepreneurship Course (Small & Medium Business Authority)
General entrepreneurship course for early-stage entrepreneurs — 70 hours (14 sessions), cost ₪728. Open to every citizen, including members of the Ethiopian-Israeli community who want to start a business.
Mortgage for Ethiopian Israelis — Community Mortgage, 600,000 ILS
The programme is real but **registration is closed** — there is no open lottery, and the ministry has removed its programme pages. The terms as set: up to ILS 600,000 over 25 years, 0% interest for the first 10 years and 2% for the next 15.
Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans
Ethiopian-Israeli discharged soldiers are entitled to a discharge grant of up to 120,000 ILS, an education scholarship, mortgage points, and preference in civil service.
Housing Grants for Ethiopian Immigrants Living in Absorption Centers or Absorption Sites
For a family, senior citizen or individual who immigrated from Ethiopia and is leaving an absorption center or absorption site, and meets the Ministry of Construction and Housing's "lacking housing" definition. Based on Government Decision 1103 (10.2.2022), valid through end of 2031.