The Business Initiative Department provides returning residents with a wide range of assistance and services, as detailed in the following:
Major Areas of Assistance
Assistance in learning and locating the returning resident's relative advantages in the business area.
Promoting a personal career through an independent occupation.
Assistance in the founding of new businesses by returning resident entrepreneurs.
Assistance in the establishment and promotion of existing businesses.
Receipt of assistance and services
The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption business accompaniment services provided for entrepreneurs, returning residents, are done through a network of 12 clusters of Returning Residents Business Consultation Centers run by professionals.
The services provided include:
Verification of ability to run a business.
Conducting of market surveys and feasibility testing for the business.
Preparing a business plan.
Connection to financing resources – banks and funds.
Finding partners or potential investors.
Business guidance and accompaniment, if necessary.
For information and consultation services abroad and in Israel please fill in the Campaign Registration Form.
Loans and Grants
Maximum loan amount: NIS 70,000
Minimum equity capital: 50% of the loan amount.
Stipulated grant: 17.5% of the total loan and no more than NIS 5,000 will become a grant 3 years after receiving the loan, provided that the returning resident continues to make a living from the business.
Interest: the loan is index linked with 2% interest.
Repayment: 6 years (one year grace – repayment of interest only)
For example:
A loan of NIS 10,000 at 2% interest:
Every month for the first 12 months (year of grace) – approx. NIS 17 + index linkage.
Every month from month 13 – 60 – approx. NIS 176 + index linkage.
Actual receipt of services and assistance upon returning to Israel requires Ministry of Immigrant Absorption recognition of 'returning resident' eligibility.
Business Information Center
The Business Initiatives Department provides returning residents with a business information service center.