Syria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA), operating under the Ministry of Economy and Industry, has announced the launch of the country’s first national competition for Syrian entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to build a comprehensive database of entrepreneurial and innovative projects within Syria, creating a foundational map of the local startup scene.
Quick Facts
- First national competition by Syria’s SME agency.
- Goal is to build a database of local startups.
- Registration deadline is set for May 24.
Building a National Startup Database
The primary objective of the competition is to identify and document the country’s emerging ventures. According to an announcement from the agency, this will help strengthen the communication channels between entrepreneurs and the government body.
By creating this central repository, SMEDA plans to better understand the needs of local startups and tailor its future programs accordingly. All founders and innovators with entrepreneurial projects in Syria are invited to register through a dedicated survey link.
A Gateway to Support and Networking
Beyond data collection, the initiative is designed to be a direct entry point for startups into the agency’s ecosystem. Participants will gain opportunities to join SMEDA’s future platforms and programs, which are focused on project development, training, and empowerment.
The competition also serves as a mechanism to connect founders with networking opportunities and potential support programs, fostering a more interconnected and supportive environment for business growth in the country.
Protecting Founder IP and Data
SMEDA has explicitly committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all information submitted through the competition’s registration survey. The agency assured founders that all intellectual property rights for the ideas and projects presented will remain with their original owners. Furthermore, it stated that this information will not be used or circulated without the explicit consent of the involved parties.
About The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA)
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency is a Syrian government body under the Ministry of Economy and Industry. It is tasked with supporting and developing the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Syria. The agency works to enhance the role of startups in economic development by providing platforms for networking, training, and connecting founders with development and support programs.
Source: SANA
