Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority has concluded its five-day Global Entrepreneurship Week forum in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. The event aimed to cultivate a robust culture of freelance work and strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem through a series of workshops, networking sessions, and showcases of local startups.
From Caravan to Forum
The forum served as the culmination of the “Entrepreneurship Caravan,” a dedicated initiative that toured various states within the Dhofar governorate from November 9th to 13th. This extensive outreach program was designed to engage directly with aspiring and current entrepreneurs across the region, bringing valuable resources and support directly to local communities. The forum in Salalah brought these efforts to a close with a concentrated program of events.
Strengthening the Local Ecosystem
Participants at the forum engaged in a variety of activities, including specialized training workshops and introductory sessions outlining the services provided by the SME Development Authority. The event also connected entrepreneurs with key financing and advisory bodies.
A central feature of the forum was a series of panel discussions focused on empowerment, financing, and trade. These sessions brought together representatives from various support entities and economic partners to address the primary challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in Oman. An accompanying exhibition provided a platform for local entrepreneurial projects to gain visibility and connect with potential partners and customers.
Aligning With National Vision
In his address, Abdul Hakim bin Amer Al-Hadrami, Director of the SME Development Authority in Dhofar, emphasized the authority’s commitment to expanding the reach of entrepreneurship within the local community. He highlighted that the Entrepreneurship Caravan is a key initiative that reflects the national drive to support SMEs, enabling them to grow and compete effectively.
Al-Hadrami noted that these efforts are in direct alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and are crucial for supporting the economic transformation led by the nation’s promising young talent.
About the SME Development Authority
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority is the primary government body in Oman responsible for developing the SME sector. Its mandate includes fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, and increasing their contribution to the country’s economic diversification goals. The authority provides a wide range of financial, advisory, and training programs to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Source: Oman News Agency
