What arcenciel does

arcenciel is a Lebanese non-profit association founded in 1985, headquartered in Beirut, operating 12 centers across Lebanon through five specialized sectors: Agriculture/Eco-Tourism/Heritage, Disability Inclusion, Environment, Rehabilitation & Health, and Youth and Education. The organization provides assistive device manufacturing (manual and electric wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, postural supports, orthopedic shoes, hospital beds), health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, dental care, wound care), inclusive employment programs, and accessibility adaptations, alongside environmental services including the DEHO infectious waste treatment unit (processing approximately 13 tons/day across three centers and serving 87% of Lebanon's infectious hospital waste from 90%+ of the country's hospitals) and the DERE recyclable waste unit. The technology stack centers on in-house assistive device production, Lebanon's first locally-produced bio-pesticide (Le Biop, developed with Universite Saint-Joseph), and ISO 9001:2015-certified steam sterilization infrastructure for medical waste.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid social-enterprise model combining transaction-based income from social enterprises (La Laiterie du Couvent de Taanayel dairy, Ecolodge eco-tourism, Al Khan al Makssoud restaurant, Cuisine d'arcenciel community kitchen, La Boutique and La Brocante reuse shops, L'Atelier ceramics, Al Manchara woodworking, Snoubar Skatepark), service fees at reduced rates for vulnerable populations, recurring individual donations via online portal and bank transfer, and institutional grants from 70+ international funders including UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNRWA, the World Bank, European Union, AFD, AECID, GIZ, and multiple foundations. Go-to-market relies on community-led field outreach, a physical network of 12 service centers, partnerships with government ministries (Public Health, Social Affairs, Environment), and digital channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube) for fundraising and awareness. The organization was co-founded by Pierre Issa, who continues to serve as CEO.

Name

arcenciel

Legal name

arcenciel

Website

https://arcenciel.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

arcenciel is a Lebanese non-profit founded in 1985 that supports underprivileged and marginalized communities across five sectors — disability inclusion, health, environment, agriculture/eco-tourism, and youth/education — through 12 centers nationwide and integrated social enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability inclusion and community social services

NAICS

Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (81399)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reuse & Resale / Recommerce Operations (EUAIANAC), Asset Recovery, Surplus & Decommissioning Services (EUAIANAD), Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency (BPADALAM), Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL), Wellness Retreats & Immersions (Multi-day, Digital Detox, Mind-Body Programs) (THAJAHAB)

Keywords

• Disability inclusion services
• Healthcare waste management
• Assistive device manufacturing
• Social enterprise programs
• Eco-tourism hospitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Beirut

HQ country

Lebanon

HQ region

Middle East

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Social Enterprise Operations: Revenue-generating social enterprises including La Laiterie du Couvent de Taanayel dairy production, Ecolodge eco-tourism accommodations, Al Khan al Makssoud restaurant, Cuisine d'arcenciel community kitchen, La Boutique clothing reuse shops, La Brocante furniture reuse shops, L'Atelier arcenciel ceramics workshop, and Al Manchara woodworking workshop.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations through online portal, bank transfers (Banque Libano-Française, Interaudi Bank USA, CR Centre Est-Tramayes France), PayPal, and credit card. French residents can donate via HelloAsso platform.
3. Institutional Grants and Funding: Funding from international organizations including UN agencies (UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNRWA, UNESCO, UNWOMEN), World Bank, European Union, government agencies (AFD, AECID, GIZ, AICS), foundations (Ford Motor Company, Elma Foundations, Vitol Foundation), and NGO partners for specific programs.
4. Service Fees at Reduced Cost: Health services (medical consultations, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, dental care), assistive products, and therapies provided at reduced prices compared to market rates for persons with disabilities and vulnerable populations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

arcenciel is a Lebanese non-profit NGO that delivers disability inclusion, rehabilitation and health, environmental, youth education, and agriculture/eco-tourism/heritage services through 12 centers across Lebanon. Its portfolio includes assistive device manufacturing, clinical therapies, infectious healthcare waste treatment (DEHO), recyclable waste collection (DERE), a locally-developed bio-pesticide (Le Biop), and social enterprises such as a dairy, ceramics workshop, woodworking workshop, restaurants, retail reuse shops, and an eco-lodge, with revenue reinvested to subsidize services for vulnerable populations.

Product overview

arcenciel is a Lebanese non-profit NGO organized into five specialized sectors (Disability Inclusion, Rehabilitation & Health, Environment, Youth and Education, and Agriculture, Eco-tourism, and Heritage) that implement various social enterprise units and programs. The organization operates 12 centers throughout Lebanon, offering a diverse portfolio of 27+ distinct products and services including assistive devices and technologies, inclusive employment programs, health services, environmental waste management (DERE for recyclable waste, DEHO for infectious healthcare waste), social enterprises (ceramics workshop, dairy production, eco-tourism, eco-lodge, restaurants), and educational programs. These units work together as an integrated ecosystem where disability inclusion and environmental sustainability are cross-cutting themes, generating revenue through social enterprises while reinvesting in community services for vulnerable populations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cirquenciel: Social circus program established in 2001 through collaboration with Cirque du Monde (Cirque du Soleil), using circus arts for youth empowerment, inclusion, and social change
• Snoubar Skatepark
• La Laiterie du Couvent de Taanayel
• Cuisine d'arcenciel
• La Brocante
• La Boutique
• DEHO
• DERE

Products and services

• Assistive Products Unit Provides assistive devices and technologies for persons with disabilities, including in-house production of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, postural support seats, orthopedic shoes, and beds, alongside assistive technologies such as speech-generating devices, text-to-speech software, screen readers (JAWS, NVDA), magnifiers, and eye-tracking systems.
• Accessibility and Adaptation Unit Creates inclusive, barrier-free environments through Universal Design modifications, including adaptive tools, vehicle modifications, accessible infrastructure (elevators, ramps), and information/communication accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Inclusive Employment Unit Promotes disability inclusion through a dual-track strategy that provides career services, skills development, professional readiness, and corporate transformation using the Disability Inclusion Scale (DIS) framework for persons with disabilities and partner employers.
• Health Unit Offers medical and paramedical services including medical consultations, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, psychotherapy, dental care, and provision of medication and oxygen therapy products at reduced rates to vulnerable populations.
• Wound Care Unit Provides specialized care for chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, and post-surgical wounds in collaboration with Institut Curie in France, including wound assessment, infection control, advanced dressing techniques, and patient education.
• Cuisine d'arcenciel (Community Kitchen) Inclusive community kitchen and social enterprise at Jisr el Wati Center integrating food assistance, skills development, and inclusive employment for vulnerable populations, guided by the philosophy of cooking on low heat.
• DERE Recyclable Waste Unit Promotes responsible waste management through collection, secondary sorting, and community education, operating from sorting centers in Zalka and Domaine de Taanayel for recyclable materials.
• DEHO Infectious Waste Unit Manages infectious healthcare waste in Lebanon through three ISO 9001:2015 certified treatment centers, serving 90%+ of Lebanese hospitals and laboratories with collection, transport, shredding, and steam sterilization treatment.
• Bio-pesticide Unit (Le Biop) Developed Lebanon's first locally-produced bio-pesticide in collaboration with Universite Saint-Joseph, targeting Lepidoptera pests on grapes, olives, and tomatoes while remaining safe for humans, beneficial insects, and soil microorganisms.
• Cirquenciel Social Circus Program Social circus program promoting peace, inclusion, and empowerment through circus arts for youth and adults, established in collaboration with Cirque du Monde (Cirque du Soleil) in 2001.
• Snoubar Skatepark Lebanon's first public skatepark established in 2021 as a Post Beirut Blast Project, spanning 1,100 m² in Horsh Beirut along the Green Line, offering inclusive skateboarding and life-skills programming for youth.
• L'Atelier arcenciel Ceramics Workshop Inclusive ceramics workshop within the Disability Inclusion sector, empowering persons with disabilities through skill development, economic opportunity, and creative expression in producing hand-crafted ceramic pieces.
• La Laiterie du Couvent de Taanayel Dairy Dairy production hub at Domaine de Taanayel producing preservative-free, additive-free dairy products including cheese and fermented milk (laban), with 30% of the team composed of persons with disabilities.
• Ecolodge de Taanayel Eco-tourism accommodation at Domaine de Taanayel offering an authentic traditional Lebanese rural experience using vernacular architecture (clay bricks, stone) and solar-powered amenities.
• Eco-tourism Program at Domaine de Taanayel Eco-tourism experiences at Domaine de Taanayel across 2.3 km² of farmland, orchards, vineyards, and lakes, including guided tours, educational activities on sustainable agriculture, and outdoor activities.
• Agrifood Innovation and Development (AID) Hub at Damour Agrifood hub in Damour (Chouf District) equipped with fruit drying and juicing lines, olive oil and honey filling units, cold storage rooms, and food quality control laboratory, powered by solar energy and supporting small-scale farmers and agrifood entrepreneurs.
• La Brocante Furniture Reuse Shop Social and environmental reuse shop with locations in Zalka and Damour, giving a second life to unwanted furniture and household items through refurbishment at Al Manchara or affordable sales, with free items for vulnerable families.
• La Boutique Clothing Reuse Shop Social enterprise for clothing reuse and upcycling with branches in Sed El Bouchrieh, Taanayel, Damour, and Halba, offering affordable clothing and free items to families in need, featuring upcycled fashion brands Inventi Studio and Style on Repeat.
• Al Manchara Woodworking Workshop Woodworking and upcycling workshop in Zalka specializing in furniture refurbishment, custom manufacturing, and creative upcycling to promote sustainable craftsmanship and circular economy.
• Al Khan al Makssoud Restaurant Traditional Lebanese restaurant at Domaine de Taanayel serving as a dining destination and community support initiative with affordable home-cooked dishes and hot meal distribution programs.
• Beit el Mouzareh Marketplace Centralized marketplace at Domaine de Taanayel connecting small-scale farmers directly to consumers, shortening supply chains and providing training on sustainable farming techniques and business development.
• Agricultural Establishment of Taanayel (EAT) Oversees cultivation and management of agricultural land at Domaine de Taanayel producing grapes, potatoes, wheat, barley, and forage crops, including a pedagogical farm and heritage seed preservation through the Bayt el Buzur initiative.
• Dairy Farm at Domaine de Taanayel Dairy farm supplying fresh milk for La Laiterie du Couvent, with individual daily monitoring of cows using a specialized tracking system, feeding on Bekaa Valley grains and forage.
• Post-Harvest Cold Storage Facility Centralized cold storage facility at Domaine de Taanayel supporting local farmers in preserving produce under optimal conditions to reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate resale or export.
• Heritage Program Promotes a culture of peace by safeguarding Lebanon's cultural legacy through academic research, photography, interviews, and reproduction tools such as books, projects, manuals, and videos that preserve tangible and intangible traditions.
• Specialized Classes Program Provides tailored educational support for children with intellectual, physical, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum, including access to therapies and a sensory room.
• Social Support Unit Performs comprehensive social assessments to identify needs of vulnerable individuals, ensures financial coverage for essential care, provides field visits to underserved communities, and offers livelihood and economic empowerment activities.
• Relief-care Unit Provides sanitary supplies, incontinence products, and pressure relief items at reduced prices to ensure essential care products remain accessible to persons with disabilities and vulnerable populations.

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cirque du Soleil - Cirque du MondecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Social circus program partnership establishing Cirquenciel in 2001, bringing expertise in using circus arts for youth empowerment and social change
• Ministry of Public HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry coordinating healthcare waste management and health services
• Ministry of Social AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry with Access and Rights branches at arcenciel centers for disability services
• Ministry of EnvironmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry coordinating environmental standards and waste management
• AUB (American University of Beirut)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic institution for research and educational partnerships
• USJ (Universite Saint-Joseph)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for bio-pesticide research and development of Le Biop
• Institut CurieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench medical institution collaborating on wound care specialized training and methodologies
• Caravan International Circus NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network of circus schools with Cirquenciel as board member
• Save the ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO partnering on child-focused programs and circus activities
• ILO (International Labor Organization)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN agency providing technical support for livelihood and employment programs
• Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institution partnering on agricultural innovation through AID Hub
• BerytechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation hub partnering on agrifood entrepreneurship support
• Schwab Foundation for Social EntrepreneurshipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of World Economic Forum recognizing arcenciel as Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2015
• Swiss ContactminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss development organization partnering on economic empowerment programs
• Choice HotelsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEcolodge is a youth hostel member of Hostelling International

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps is a large multi-sector humanitarian/development NGO active in Lebanon, comparable in operational breadth, donor base (UN/EU/government), and integration of social-enterprise methodologies.
• Oxfam: Oxfam is a global multi-sector NGO operating across livelihoods, WASH, gender, and humanitarian response, comparable in its grant-funded, project-based model and Lebanese programming footprint.
• World Vision: World Vision is a global humanitarian NGO delivering multi-sector programs (health, education, child protection, livelihoods) with significant Lebanon presence, comparable in scale and donor-funded operating model.
• Relief International: Relief International is a large global multi-sector humanitarian NGO with active programs in Lebanon and the MENA region, providing similar health, WASH, and economic-recovery programming across humanitarian and development contexts.

Direct peers

• BRAC: BRAC is a large multi-sector social enterprise/NGO operating in health, education, livelihoods, environment, and disability inclusion across the Global South — the closest functional analog to arcenciel's integrated social-enterprise model spanning 5 sectors with earned-revenue programs.
• Humanity & Inclusion (Handicap International): Humanity & Inclusion is a global disability-focused NGO delivering assistive devices, rehabilitation, and inclusion services — directly comparable to arcenciel's Assistive Products Unit and Disability Inclusion Sector.

Regional players

• Lebanese Red Cross: Lebanese Red Cross is the largest in-country humanitarian organization, comparable as a Lebanese multi-program NGO with national infrastructure, government relations, and emergency response capacity.
• YMCA Lebanon: YMCA Lebanon is a long-standing in-country multi-program NGO providing youth, education, and community services, comparable as a Lebanon-rooted, locally governed NGO with international affiliations and donor relationships.
• Jusoor: Jusoor is a Lebanese nonprofit focused on education and economic opportunity for refugees and vulnerable youth, overlapping with arcenciel's Youth & Education sector and Specialized Classes Unit in serving children with disabilities and marginalized Lebanese youth.

Emerging players

• Motivation (disability mobility): Motivation is a UK-based nonprofit designing and distributing low-cost assistive mobility devices and wheelchairs globally — closely comparable to arcenciel's assistive-device manufacturing unit and inclusive design principles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AecArcenciel
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/arcencielaec
• Facebookfacebook.com/aec.arcenciel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arcenciel
• Instagraminstagram.com/arcenciel.aec

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about arcenciel