Business support programs in the UAE

Business support programs in the UAE - Makebiz

Starting a business in the Emirates, you can count on government support, specially created funds and centers offering advice and assistance in solving some financial and business issues. For example, on the platform of The Entrepreneurial Nation there are often various free programs for entrepreneurs to solve any issues. You can sign up by leaving an application on the website. 

UAE government funds push the development of small and medium-sized businesses, helping their representatives to get tax benefits under certain conditions and free consultations from specialists in various fields. Let’s highlight the main ones.

1. MBRIF — the fund focuses on innovations of regional and global organizations in seven main sectors: renewable and clean energy, transport, education, IT, healthcare and water resources.

2. Innovation Accelerator Program helps entrepreneurs from the very first steps: from drafting a business model to finding customers and employees. Those wishing to apply will be selected by submitting a video demonstrating their innovative approach.

3. Guarantee Scheme also includes several stages of selection, but gives participants the opportunity to obtain a business development loan on extremely favorable terms.

4. Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development is an integrated unit of the Department of Economic Development (DED) that supports small organizations in the Emirate of Dubai. The center offers a wide range of services from project planning to full realization of its potential, including training on trade licenses, financing and investment, product promotion, rating systems, government procurement, etc.

The center’s current offerings:

  • Ztartup is a gas pedal focused on healthcare technology, including augmented and virtual reality and digital media. It helps startups in this field to grow and expand.
  • Hi Dubai is a digital platform where it is possible to post information about participants based on their business activities. This makes their business more recognizable and accessible to potential customers. 
  • Dubai Next — the first public crowdfunding platform in the UAE that offers solutions to help entrepreneurs and innovators raise capital and launch their project. 

5. Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) programs are tailored to each stage of the entrepreneurial journey, providing the support needed to turn ideas into reality and building a strong foundation for sustainable businesses and successful careers. The team periodically runs a challenge with a 6-month free training for firm leaders, but you need to be able to apply in time or the group gets full quickly.

6. Emirates Development Bank is a banking organization that is wholly owned by the UAE government. It was established to achieve the objectives of a national program to create and offer financial solutions on flexible terms to SMEs. The bank offers a wide range of solutions to support emerging businesses and enable them to realize their full potential.

The current offerings are:

  • «SME Financing» — offers financing solutions with low interest rates and flexible repayment options. For example, asset-based financing, business expansion loans, post and pre-sale financing schemes.
  • «Make it in the Emirates» — a strategy to provide financial assistance to businesses worth AED 30 billion. The program aims to assist priority industries over a five-year period, which is expected to finance more than 13,500 SMEs, creating 25,000 jobs. 

Thus, there are many support programs aimed at developing different kinds of businesses and enterprises. Assistance is provided with business modeling, building sales funnels, favorable lending, etc. To participate in most programs, it is enough to apply on the website and attach a package of documents.

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