George lives in the Al-Marah neighborhood of Baniyas . He is married and has a daughter. He is a simple man with great experience.
When he started working in his small shop, there were few products on the shelves and perhaps little future on the horizon, but he was supported by a dream: the ambition to grow his business , despite all the difficulties – economic and otherwise – that life in Syria spares no one.
A turning point
One day he learned about the RestarT program and decided to apply.
The good news came as a sign of hope: his application had been approved! George thus received the equipment grant, as required by the project: in his case, a solar panel and a refrigerator . And it was a turning point for his shop. 
Imagine how useful a refrigerator can be for a food business. For this small shop in the Al-Marah neighborhood, it meant a big change.
George has since been able to stock up on a larger variety of products, such as meat, cheese, dairy products, and ice cream. As his refrigerator filled up, his business took off .
A point of reference for the residents of the neighborhood
George’s shop has become a landmark in Al-Marah. Everyone knows they can find what they need on those shelves, and the number of families shopping there has significantly increased.
Difficulties are never lacking: in Syria, price fluctuations are a constant challenge. For this reason, however, the shop owner has adopted a prudent strategy : he purchases small quantities of goods regularly, to avoid losses related to market fluctuations. This choice allows him a certain stability in his work.
When reciprocity is attention towards the community
In addition to the care and passion with which George manages his sales business, he always maintains a strong focus on his community.
It is committed to helping the residents of the neighborhood in various ways : it stocks some products that require refrigeration in the refrigerator free of charge and offers discounts or donates items without the most economically vulnerable customers realizing it.
Subtle yet profound gestures. Reciprocity and sharing are a fundamental part of George’s professional and personal journey.
Next step, coffee
Today George looks back with satisfaction on the progress he’s made so far. The shop is his jewel. 
Yet, there is another dream he would like to realize: to open a small café right in Al-Marah square, next to the shop .
A place to serve drinks and create a meeting space for everyone, where they can spend time together.