Khalifa Fund Showcases Over 15 Ventures Supporting SMEs At Make It In The Emirates Forum

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is highlighting over fifteen significant projects aiding SMEs at the fourth ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event. KFED will introduce several strategic initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating their sustainable growth and market expansion.

These initiatives include the ‘Abu Dhabi SME Champions Programme’, which links startups with major buyers, and the ‘SME Export Enablement Programme’, designed to boost SMEs' global competitiveness. Additionally, the ‘SME Finance Facilitator Programme’ addresses funding gaps with innovative banking solutions, while the ‘ICV Readiness Programme’ helps SMEs meet ICV standards to participate in government tenders.

The forum will also see the signing of three key strategic agreements by Khalifa Fund. One agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) aims to support UAE entrepreneurs and innovators in the industrial sector. Another agreement with the ‘Make’ forum focuses on developing prototype acceleration programs for light manufacturing.

Moreover, an agreement with Khalifa University will promote innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting startup growth across the country. This partnership combines both entities' expertise to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, researchers, and students by providing resources, knowledge, and funding to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.

The launch of the ‘Light Manufacturing Accelerator’ programme is part of KFED’s broader efforts to enhance local manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aims to nurture a comprehensive ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, government entities, and industry partners. It also seeks to streamline regulatory processes and improve access to supply chain opportunities.

More than fifteen key ventures supported by Khalifa Fund will participate in the event. These ventures span various sectors such as technology, food industries, manufacturing, trade, and hospitality. They play a crucial role in strengthening the local economy and increasing national products' presence in local markets.

Commitment to National Entrepreneurship

Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of KFED, stated: "Our participation in the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum exemplifies the Fund’s commitment to supporting and empowering national entrepreneurship, particularly in priority sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy system."

Al Nasri further emphasized KFED's dedication to implementing UAE's vision of building a competitive economy driven by innovation. The goal is to promote national ventures and create platforms that enable SMEs to confidently enter new regional and global markets.

The event serves as a unique platform for showcasing inspiring success stories and forming new partnerships. This strengthens SMEs' role in advancing economic growth while enhancing UAE’s industrial and technological sectors.

With inputs from WAM