SMALL GRANTS STORIES : Bio Santé et Beauté

COVID-19 Response / Articles / 22-06-2022

"I have always been interested in the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants, so I decided to work in a field where I could study these plants and harness their potential. 

When I started my project in 2017, I was the only woman in Gabes working in this relatively unknown sector. I started selling organic products and developed a better understanding of the emerging market demand. I obviously prioritized products made in Tunisia. 

However, my business suffered due to the COVID-19 crisis. I struggled to procure raw materials and saw my sales decline. I had to let go of one of my employees, and I seriously considered shutting down the business. 

A grant through USAID Tunisia JOBS’ COVID-19 Enterprise Recovery Fund, funded by the US government, came at the right time. The funds enabled me to replace my outdated product inventory and acquire new management software to improve my business processes.  

Thanks to this grant, I was able to restart my business, and little by little, build a client base in my region and beyond. As a result, my company’s sales have increased, and we have created a new job." 

Sihem Belhaj 

Bio Santé Beauté 

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