A pioneering initiative by the Saudi Social Development Bank (SDB), Jada 30, is successfully converting traditional bank branches across the Kingdom into dynamic support centers for citizens and entrepreneurs. The initiative, which began in 2021, aims to build a nationwide network of business communities offering co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and crucial non-financial services to foster startup growth.
From Bank Counters to Coworking Spaces
Speaking on the sidelines of the Deve Go 2025 forum, Jada 30’s General Supervisor, Khalid Ali, described the core concept as a “wonderful” idea to repurpose SDB’s physical assets to directly serve the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Instead of being offices solely for bank employees, the branches are being transformed into hubs for founders.
These redesigned spaces provide startups with access to shared workspaces, meeting facilities, and the diverse portfolio of non-financial support services offered by the Social Development Bank, catering to various sectors and business stages.
Scaling a Nationwide Network
The initiative has already achieved significant scale, with 13 branches across the Kingdom converted into Jada 30 hubs. “We have managed to convert a group of branches across the Kingdom, reaching 13 Jada 30 branches, and we aim to convert other branches,” Ali stated. The goal is to expand this network to 17 branches within the next two years, with a broader vision for multiple locations in each major city.
The impact is already measurable. According to Ali, a total of 4,500 projects have benefited from Jada 30’s services, with 340 startups currently active as direct subscribers within the hubs.
Tailored Support for Every Stage
Recognizing that startups have different needs at various growth phases, Jada 30 offers a structured support system. Ali explained that the initiative provides five distinct packages, each designed to target a specific stage of a startup’s journey. This tiered approach ensures that entrepreneurs receive the right resources and services that align with their operational needs and financial capacity at any given time.
He also highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in modern business, noting that AI tools for content creation, market research, and expansion planning can reduce research time from days to mere minutes, giving startups a significant competitive edge.
Deve Go Forum Highlights New Partnerships
The announcement was made during the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Work Patterns Forum (Deve Go 2025) in Riyadh, organized by the SDB. The event also saw the launch of the “Empretec Saudi Arabia” fellowship, a strategic partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This fellowship aims to develop the personal entrepreneurial competencies of high-potential founders through intensive training and access to international experts, helping turn promising ideas into global success stories.
About Jada 30
Jada 30 is an initiative by the Saudi Social Development Bank designed to support the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It transforms SDB branches into integrated business communities that provide startups and freelancers with co-working spaces, business development services, and access to a network of mentors and peers to foster innovation and growth.
Source: mubasherbanks
