The Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project is a Bangladesh initiative designed to help people affected by COVID-19 get back on their feet economically, with a specific focus on the informal sector. 

Target: Low-income youth, micro-entrepreneurs, and those impacted by COVID-19 in urban and peri-urban areas (think outskirts of cities).

Goal:

• Restore pre-pandemic business activity for existing micro-enterprises.
• Foster new entrepreneurship among young people.
• Increase overall income and employment opportunities within the informal sector.

Activities:

• Training programs to enhance skills and employability.
• Financial assistance through loans or grants.
• Technical support to improve business operations.

Implemented by: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) with joint funding from the World Bank and PKSF itself.

Overall, RAISE aims to revitalize the informal sector, a crucial part of Bangladesh's economy, by empowering individuals and businesses to recover and thrive after the pandemic.