AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) has rolled out a new program designed to help Bahrain’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) navigate the turbulent global economic climate. Titled the “Crisis-Response: Youth Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Readiness Program,” the initiative aims to provide entrepreneurs with the tools to manage operational continuity, financial stability, and supply chain disruptions.
Quick Facts
- New program for Bahraini SME resilience.
- Partnership with UNIDO and government ministries.
- Focuses on sustainability, growth, and market access.
A Collaborative Approach to SME Challenges
The program was launched in response to growing pressures on Bahrain’s SMEs, including geopolitical uncertainties and adapting to a rapidly changing market. To address this, MKF has partnered with a wide range of public and private sector entities.
Key collaborators include the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain (UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, and the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. During a series of sessions held at the Foundation’s headquarters, specialists offered guidance on business sustainability, digital transformation, and accessing new markets through franchising.
Leveraging Globally Recognized Frameworks
The initiative brings together a diverse group of institutions from Bahrain’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain introduced its globally recognized “Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion Program” (EDIP), also known as the Bahrain Model for Entrepreneurship, to guide SMEs toward long-term viability.
Additional sessions were provided by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, and Export Bahrain, each offering specialized guidance. Dr. Raed Shams also delivered a C3Q Workshop to equip participants with critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) and Tamkeen are also scheduled to contribute sessions in June, adding academic and technical perspectives.
From Theory to Bankable Business Plans
Across the program, entrepreneurs receive actionable frameworks to improve operational performance and resource management. The workshops also aim to bridge the gap between academic models and practical execution in the local business environment.
Following the sessions, participants will receive counseling to develop growth-oriented and bankable business plans. This final step is structured to position their enterprises for sustained success and resilience.
Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of MKF, stated: “This initiative underscores the value of collaboration between national and international entities in developing effective solutions to the challenges facing the SME sector, which remains a vital driver of local economic growth opportunities. We are confident that the partnerships underpinning this effort will deliver meaningful outcomes that benefit all stakeholders.”
Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, added: “This joint endeavor will help empower entrepreneurs and SMEs with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome challenges and pursue sustainable growth within a more resilient and stable business environment. We look forward to expanding this partnership and contributing to further initiatives of comparable scope in the future.”
About AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation
Established in 2011, AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation is a non-profit organization registered with the Ministry of Social Development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Foundation aims to create a positive social impact in education by empowering local talent with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to reach their full potential.
Source: Al Bawaba
