The Haref Association for Producing Families in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has successfully launched 20 female entrepreneurs into the market following their completion of the intensive “Herfa” training program. The graduation marked the conclusion of the first edition of the program, celebrated at a ceremony held at the Eastern Chamber of Commerce headquarters.
The event, held under the patronage of Mohammed Al-Samari, Director-General of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s regional branch, celebrated the new cohort of artisans now equipped to lead their own business ventures.
From Craft To Commerce
The Herfa program is specifically designed to empower national talent within various craft sectors, providing them with the essential entrepreneurship tools needed to transform their manual skills into sustainable and profitable projects.
The 20 trainees underwent a professional entrepreneurship curriculum that focused on refining their craft and shifting their perspective from hobbyists to business owners. This initiative directly supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by bolstering small enterprises, supporting producing families, and enhancing the quality of local artisanal products to meet market demands.
Strategic Partnerships For Success
To ensure a strong launch for the graduates’ new ventures, the Herfa program established key strategic partnerships. The collaboration between Mawani, the Social Development Bank, and the Eastern Chamber of Commerce provided a comprehensive support system for the new entrepreneurs.
Upon completion of the program, graduates were awarded accredited certificates and received foundational seed funding from the Social Development Bank to help them launch their business operations.
A Vision For National Identity and Economic Growth
In a speech delivered by Executive Director Manal Al-Ruzaiza on behalf of the Chairman Lamia bint Al-Ghunaim, the association emphasized the program’s role in unlocking the latent potential within Saudi households.
The association’s vision extends beyond simply selling products, viewing each handcrafted piece as a historical story and a fundamental component in building a robust national economy and preserving an authentic cultural identity. The leadership stressed that its goals include not only economic empowerment but also strengthening national identity, stimulating the local economy, and fostering a culture of creativity.
About Haref Association
The Haref Association for Producing Families aims to become the leading center in the Kingdom for supporting producing families. Its mission is focused on restoring the value and prestige of artisans while elevating the quality of their products to ensure long-term sustainability and growth in the market.
Source: Jehat
