The United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, through its International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ICEI), has successfully concluded its first Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) program. The initiative, designed for creative entrepreneurs, was conducted in a strategic partnership with the Rashid Al Khalifa Arts Foundation.
Fostering the Orange Economy
This program marks a significant milestone in the “Year of the Creative Orange Economy,” an initiative launched by UNIDO and the Rashid Al Khalifa Arts Foundation. The collaboration highlights the pivotal role of the “Orange Economy,” which places creativity, culture, and innovation at the core of sustainable economic growth and inclusive industrial development. The EDIP program aimed to unlock the latent potential within Bahrain’s creative sector, positioning it as a key driver for economic diversification.
An Intensive Development Curriculum
A select group of creative entrepreneurs from Bahrain and beyond participated in the intensive program, which was designed to enhance their project-building capabilities and investment readiness. The curriculum covered essential skills and knowledge required for sustainable growth, with dedicated sessions on entrepreneurship development, business plan creation, financial modeling, and SME development. Participants also gained valuable insights into the legal requirements for establishing a business and learned about the support services offered by key ecosystem enablers including the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Tamkeen, Export Bahrain, and the Bahrain Development Bank.
Beyond Training: Mentorship and Networking
In addition to formal training, the program facilitated interactive meetings with successful entrepreneurs, allowing participants to benefit from their practical experience and inspiring success stories. Following the core training, participants will receive specialized one-on-one mentorship sessions. These sessions are tailored to provide direct, practical support in identifying investment opportunities, preparing business plans, and navigating licensing and official procedures, helping entrepreneurs transform their creative ideas into viable and scalable ventures.
About The Organizers
The International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ICEI), also known as UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, is dedicated to fostering inclusive and sustainable industrial development by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. The Rashid Al Khalifa Arts Foundation is a Bahrain-based institution committed to nurturing artistic talent and promoting the creative industries as a vital component of cultural and economic life. Through this collaboration, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the creative sector’s contribution to national development.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
