Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Programme serves 2,000 beneficiaries in 2012

Press release

Published February 5th, 2013 - 10:33 GMT

During the event

Tamkeen‘s Enterprise Development Support Programme, Tamkeen’s flagship Programme that seeks to enable enterprises in Bahrain to improve their efficiency and business sustainability, has exceeded its target with over 2,000 private sector enterprises served during 2012 alone.

With this milestone, the overall number of enterprises which benefited from the programme since its inception has reached well over 4,500 enterprises.

The achievement can be attributed to several modifications introduced by Tamkeen in order to facilitate access to the programme and streamline processes, including increasing staff handling the programme by three-fold, expanding the Enterprise Development Support Agency offices, introducing a dedicated toll-free call centre line (80008001), and most recently allowing enterprises the flexibility to choose any service provider for “Istishara”, “Tasweeq” and “Jawda” schemes.

Tamkeen’s Private Sector Support Senior Manager, Mohammed Bucheery said “The success of the programme reflects Tamkeen’s continuous commitment to enhance the capabilities of Bahrainis and enterprises in Bahrain and development of the private sector. With over 2,000 businesses in 2012 provided with strategic financial and advisory support through these support programmes, the SME sector in Bahrain will be able to continue on the path of sustainable long-term growth.”

Nearly half the enterprises served are start-ups and developing SMEs which have been in operation five years or less. Enterprises owned by women constituted around 11% of the total.

Breaking it down by sector, the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector was by far the most represented, constituting 30% of the total benefiting enterprises, followed by Construction (14%), Manufacturing (9%), and Food and Accommodation sectors (9%).

“Techania” was the most sought-after scheme, making up 46% of the total number of beneficiaries. It was followed by “Tarweej” (27%), “Tasweeq” (22%), “Istishara” (3%) and “Jawda” (2%).

“Istishara” enables business owners to make informed strategic business decisions, “Jawda” which enables business owners to implement world-class quality management systems, “Techania” to enable business owners to invest in modern equipment, “Tarweej” to enable enterprises to increase their visibility through local and international trade fairs and exhibitions, “Tasweeq” to enable business owners to create professional marketing and communication strategies.

Under these programmes, Tamkeen contributes 80% of the associated costs up to a maximum of BD. 15,000 for small enterprises and BD 20,000 for medium and large enterprises.

Background Information

Tamkeen

Tamkeen is a public authority established in August 2006, tasked with supporting Bahrain’s private sector and positioning it as the key driver of economic growth and development. Tamkeen is one of the cornerstones of Bahrain’s national reform initiatives and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Tamkeen has two primary objectives - firstly, foster the development and growth of enterprises, and second provide support to enhance the productivity and training of the national workforce. To achieve these objectives -Tamkeen’s 2018-2020 strategy focuses on Diversifying offerings, Accelerate delivery and Sustaining Impact.