On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Bloom brought together a vibrant community of changemakers for an inspiring online gathering titled "Hope in Action: Responding to Crisis with Resilience and Impact". Participants were united by a shared mission: to support and amplify the efforts of social enterprises, bringing relief and hope to communities affected by ongoing crises.

The event opened with a heartfelt welcome by David Munir Nabti, CEO and founder of Bloom, acknowledging the turbulent times we’re all navigating while celebrating the incredible resilience and creativity of those in attendance. With a clear focus on fostering positive economic, social, and political transformation, the gathering aimed to build momentum, engage supporters, and catalyze meaningful collaborative efforts.

The evening featured passionate presentations from four social enterprises, each making a remarkable impact in their communities.

WingWoman Lebanon – Millie Pemberton

Millie Pemberton introduced WingWoman Lebanon, an organization committed to providing affordable reusable diapers and period pads. Thanks to Bloom’s support, they've successfully distributed over 200,000 reusable pads and 2,500 diapers, creating 23 job opportunities for local women. Millie shared exciting plans to expand their product range to include adult diapers for incontinence, aiming to support displaced families with essential hygiene products. Her dedication highlights how sustainable, locally-made solutions can bring about significant, positive change.

Made by Nature – Mark and Christiane Beyrouthy

Mark and Christiane from Made by Nature took the stage to discuss their mission of promoting authentic Lebanese cuisine and artisanal products. Their initiative has connected over 4,000 community members with 550 local brands, fostering a thriving ecosystem for local producers. From hosting farmers' markets to creating botanical gardens and running an online shop, Made by Nature ensures that Lebanese artisans flourish. Their "From All Lebanon to All Lebanon" campaign is a shining example of how community-driven efforts can support displaced families by sourcing and distributing essential goods.

Sustainable Stitch – Farah Abi Mosleh

Farah presented Sustainable Stitch, a group dedicated to empowering women through sewing and upcycling. Initially focused on providing immediate aid to pregnant women and new mothers, they have now transitioned to creating sustainable products like winter clothes and diapers. Farah emphasized the importance of long-term income opportunities for women, showcasing how adaptability and innovation are key to successful social entrepreneurship. Her work highlights the vital role of sustainable practices in building resilient communities.

The Studio – Bahia Assi

Bahia shared the inspiring journey of The Studio, which empowers Syrian and Palestinian women artisans. With 100 women trained in camps, The Studio has successfully recreated and sold new products, collaborating with marketplaces in Lebanon and the Gulf. During recent conflicts, they swiftly adapted by producing hats and scarves for displaced children, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to both economic stability and community resilience.

Following the presentations, the event transitioned into a dynamic discussion on how everyone can contribute to these impactful efforts. Participants explored various ways to offer support and assistance, highlighting the significant role of Bloom’s mentorship program. Key points included:

1. Enhancing Skills: Many attendees expressed interest in receiving pro bono consultancy, particularly in areas like management and strategic planning, to further strengthen their organizations.
2. Effective Marketing: Strategies for balancing the promotion of social impact with maintaining authenticity were a common focus. Ensuring fair pricing while telling genuine stories was emphasized as crucial for sustainable growth.
3. Building Partnerships: The importance of fostering long-term partnerships to sustain and expand initiatives was a key takeaway, underscoring the value of collaborative efforts.

Millie highlighted how external support in financial management had been transformative for WingWoman Lebanon. Bahia discussed the importance of authentic storytelling in marketing their products to maintain sustainability and avoid superficial narratives. Farah emphasized the value of long-term partnerships to sustain and grow their initiatives.

As the event came to a close, the host shared a hopeful vision for the future. Imagine walking into a store in Lebanon and finding products from these amazing social enterprises as the norm. Picture reusable pads from WingWoman, fresh food from Made by Nature, handmade hats from The Studio, and sustainable clothing from Sustainable Stitch—all contributing to a more equitable and resilient community.

The vision is clear: by fostering partnerships between local communities and the global diaspora, we can create a robust support system for sustainable growth. Participants left the meeting feeling motivated and connected, ready to continue building momentum together.

Bloom is dedicated to continuing this essential work. There are several ways you can get involved and support these incredible initiatives:

• Donate to the Campaign: Your contributions can provide the necessary resources to expand these social enterprises and amplify their impact.
• Become a Mentor: Share your expertise and guide these organizations as they navigate growth and innovation.
• Become an Ambassador of Hope: Help spread the word and inspire others to join the movement, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

A heartfelt thank you to all the social enterprises and participants who shared their invaluable insights and stories. Your dedication and passion are what make these initiatives possible. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to support each other in making a lasting impact.