Tamkeen supports 52 companies in Food & Hospitality and Health & Wellness Expos 2013

52 companies are participating in the Food & Hospitality Expo and Health & Wellness Expo 2013, which commenced on April 16 at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The companies benefited from Tamkeen’s “Tarweej” scheme, one of the many business support schemes under its flagship Enterprise Development Support Programme. 

The two events, which attracted a large number of local and international companies and experts, are a valuable opportunity for SMEs in Bahrain in the fields of food, hospitality, and health to showcase their products and services, network and build business relationships, expand customer base, and find out the latest developments in these fields. 

An increasing number of companies have benefited from the “Tarweej” scheme to take part in these two events, jumping from 40 companies last year to 52 in 2013. Tamkeen’s contribution amount more than doubled from 2012 to this year, going from around BD 31,000 in 2012 to more than BD 65,000. 

Tamkeen Senior Manager for Private Sector Support Mohammed Bucheery commented, “Demand for Tamkeen’s programmes which target private sector companies is increasing each year as business owners continue to reap their benefits. These programmes provide subsidised high-level business support services in critical areas to achieve sustainable growth and development.” 

The Enterprise Development Support Programme is in line with Tamkeen’s objective to boost capabilities of the private sector and enhance the productivity and growth of businesses in Bahrain. The “Tarweej” scheme enables companies to maximise their exposure through local, regional, and international exhibitions. All eligible enterprises in Bahrain may benefit from the scheme, but need to apply one month in advance of the desired event. 

Tamkeen has allocated over BD 119 million to the Enterprise Development Programme to date, and more than 4,800 enterprises in Bahrain have benefited from it to date. 

In addition to “Tarweej”, it also includes “Istishara” to assist in the strategic planning and determining vision and goals of the company, “Techania” to provide support for the purchase of latest enterprise-related tools and equipment, “Jawda” to assist in the design and application of world-class quality standards, “Tasweeq” to support the creation and implementation of effective marketing and communications strategies, and the “Large Enterprises Support Scheme” which allows large enterprises to acquire industrial machinery and technology.