Tamkeen’s total contribution to the enterprises served through the programme’s various business support schemes to date has reached BD 33 million.
To accommodate the sharp increase in demand from business owners seeking to benefit from the programme, Tamkeen allocated additional resources to the programme. Initially planned to serve 2,500 enterprises from 2012 to 2014 as per the operational plan, the Enterprise Development Support Programme has successfully served 3,500 enterprises since the beginning of 2012 to June 2013 alone.
Around 59% of the enterprises served are start-ups and developing SMEs which have been in operation five years or less, with enterprises owned by businesswomen making up around one-third (31%) of the total.
Sector-wise, the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector constituted 31% of the total benefiting enterprises, followed by Construction (15%), Manufacturing (9%), and Food Services and Accommodation sectors (9%).
“Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support programme provides strategic business support services that make enterprises, particularly SME’s, more sustainable and fuel future economic growth. Our ongoing engagement with the business community in Bahrain has been invaluable in ensuring that the programmes Tamkeen provides match the market needs, and we look forward to continuing this relationship moving forward,” Tamkeen’s Acting Vice President for Private Sector Support, Mohammed Bucheery, said.
The Enterprise Development Support Programme currently consists of “Istishara” to assist in the strategic planning, “Techania” to support the purchase of enterprise-related tools and equipment, “Jawda” to assist in the design and application of world-class quality standards, “Tasweeq” to support the design and implementation of effective marketing and communications strategies, “Tarweej”, to enable businesses to participate in local and international events, the Large Enterprises Support Scheme to enable large enterprises acquire industrial machinery and technology, and the Legal Services Support Scheme.