Supporting Small Business Owners in Sudan

Supporting Livelihoods in Sudan

Um Kulthum is a widow, mother, and soap maker in Sudan. After sadly losing her husband, she became the sole provider for her family of seven—and she relies on her soap-making business to pay for basic necessities, like food, water, and medicine.

Since the conflict began, Um Kulthum has done everything she can to keep her children safe, healthy, and alive, including moving twice in search of more accessible resources and medical care. She often sacrificed meals or sold belongings to afford medicine and health services for her family. Eventually, she took her children out of school.

Now living in Khartoum surrounded by many displaced families like her own, Um Kulthum recognized an increased demand for her soaps. Hygiene items are undeniably important in this volatile context; they not only contribute to cleanliness, but also help people protect their health and preserve their dignity. However, she lacked the funds to purchase the raw materials and additional equipment needed to expand her business.

Learn why CORE prioritizes cash assistance in Sudan >>

Sudan Livelihoods Pilot - women writing on posterboard — Um Kulthum (right) during a business skills training with other women entrepreneurs.

Sudan Livelihoods Pilot 2 - NFI and other business items — Participants received hairstyling tools, mixers, soaps, cooking oil, and other items tailored to their business plans.

Um Kulthum participated in CORE and Vet-Care Organization’s livelihood pilot program, which equipped 25 women entrepreneurs—including a seamstress, hairdresser, and a baker—with grants and skills training to scale their businesses and generate sustainable income to meet their families’ needs.

Through this program, she received cash assistance and essential tools for her business, as well as attended business plan development and entrepreneurship workshops to strengthen her skills and build self-reliance. With this support, she expanded her soap business, including adding home deliveries and wholesale distribution. Now, she says her income is steadily growing, and she can afford food and other necessities and has reenrolled her children in school.

Since CORE began working in Sudan in 2023, we’ve prioritized serving women and mothers like Um Kulthum, who have borne the brunt of this enduring conflict. Reaching the most vulnerable people requires flexibility and innovation, which is why our team on the ground works closely with our local partners to integrate cash assistance into our programming.

Cash assistance can be a lifeline for many; the ability to purchase goods and resources that will benefit your unique business needs is critical. When supplemented with training that offers skills and insight to sustainably grow your livelihood, the impact extends even further. To support people like Um Kulthum or learn more about CORE’s efforts in Sudan, visit our landing page.