Overview:
Do you know that the Khalifa Fund in UAE has supported more than 15,000 jobs and issued 1,168 loans worth AED 1.32 billion? Thanks to this support, 6% of all Emirati SMEs have been established, and 152 of them are now exporting their products internationally. But the Khalifa Fund for enterprise isn’t just loans. It’s about empowering innovation through tailored funding, mentorship, and skills-building programs in sectors like agriculture, technology, and tourism.
The Fund plays a key role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, aiming to make the UAE a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. By aligning its initiatives with national goals, it has strengthened the UAE’s SME ecosystem, helping entrepreneurs succeed locally and on the global stage.
What is the Khalifa Fund?
The Khalifa Dubai Fund, established by the Abu Dhabi government, supports SMEs across the UAE, inspired by the vision of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, it offers training, mentorship, funding, and resources to help Emiratis start, grow, and expand businesses globally, contributing to the UAE’s economic growth.
Achievements and Key Focus Areas
Since 2007, the Khalifa Fund has played a major role in supporting entrepreneurs and fostering business success in the UAE.
Key highlights:
- Support to MSMEs: Dedicated to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- Holistic Support: Provides training, financial support, and networking to develop entrepreneurial capabilities.
- National Strategy: Focus on innovative sectors aligned with the strategic vision of the UAE.
Impact on the UAE Economy
The Khalifa Fund boosts the UAE economy by supporting SMEs, key drivers of growth, with funding, guidance, and growth opportunities. It empowers ambitious entrepreneurs, promotes Emirati-owned businesses, and fosters local enterprises, contributing to economic success beyond UAE borders.
Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneurs
Major Focus:
– Graduates and business professionals with new ideas.
– Good management skills
Target Group:
– Small and medium enterprises owned by Emiratis.
Goals and Impact:
– Support businesses that boost the local economy.
– Nurture national talent and entrepreneurship.
Fund’s Commitment to SMEs
The fund has created an environment suitable for business growth by supporting the growth of SMEs, thereby helping in the generation of 15,000 jobs in the UAE, out of which 1,800 jobs were for Emiratis.
Khalifa Fund Application Process
Application to the Khalifa Fund is straightforward and supportive. Business ideas that meet the requirements and priorities of the UAE economy need to be presented. Besides the Khalifa Fund Membership Programme also provides support throughout the business setup.
How to Apply:
- Submit a Business Plan: The plan must be clear concerning objectives, market potential, and financial projections.
- Evaluation: The Fund checks if the application is practical and if it serves the goals of the Fund.
- Support for Success: After approval, funding, and various services are available to support their starting and growing their businesses.
Khalifa Fund Partnerships and Collaborations
Khalifa Fund is connected with the UAE to provide innovative telecom and digital solutions to start-ups in the Emirate. This cooperation assists small business organizations in terms of efficiency and the introduction of new technology. It supports the vision of the UAE by being a hub for entrepreneurship through tech-enabled business development.
Collaborations with Government Entities
The Fund collaborates with government agencies to establish an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.
These collaborations enable the reduction of financial burdens on start-ups by offering potential waivers and discounts on licenses, permits, and fees.
Support for Local Start-ups
The Khalifa Fund supports local startups with interest-free loans, long-term funding, and flexible repayment plans for new and growing businesses. Sector-Specific Focus: Focuses on sectors that foster innovation and competitiveness.
Key Initiatives:
- Microfinance Loan: It gives loans to start-ups.
- Agri-Tech Funding Programme: The program encourages modern technology in the agricultural sector.
- These collaborations and programs help the Khalifa Fund foster innovation, attract investments, and help sustainable business growth in the UAE.
Empowering Entrepreneurs for a Bright Future
The Khalifa Fund commits to supporting the UAE entrepreneur from start to finish. Funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships assist Emirati small and medium-sized businesses to grow, innovate, and succeed. As the UAE takes a position as the world’s most entrepreneurial nation, the Khalifa Fund plays an important role in providing the tools and resources that entrepreneurs need to succeed.
Take your business to the next level
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About Arnifi
Arnifi is a digital-first Corporate service provider helping companies enter the Middle East region, starting with the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets. Founded and backed by professionals from Amazon, Souq, and other large companies operating in KSA – the team understands what it takes to succeed as a startup in both UAE and Saudi Arabian markets, apart from going through the setup process multiple times. Arnifi will provide a truly digital experience for the entry and scale-up of companies in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Discover tailored solutions and strategic partnerships that propel your business forward. Check out at – www.Arnifi.com for more details.
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