Latest news with #GeneralAuthorityforSmallandMediumEnterprises
Gulf Insider
21-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Foreign Startup Licenses In Saudi Arabia Surge 118% To 550 By Mid-2025
The number of foreign startups licensed under Saudi Arabia's 'Riyadi' initiative has reached 550 as of mid-2025, marking a 118% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Investment. This surge comes as part of national efforts to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for entrepreneurship by facilitating international startup entry and creating a flexible regulatory environment that fosters innovation and attracts investment. The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha'at) has also issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators across the country. These entities have played a vital role in attracting international entrepreneurs and supporting their growth journey — from early prototyping and mentorship to investor and market access — enabling them to launch effectively in the Saudi market. Flagship international events hosted in the Kingdom, such as Biban and LEAP, have further drawn global founders by showcasing Saudi Arabia's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and investment opportunities. Additionally, the active participation of Saudi stakeholders in global forums like Web Summit, Vivatech, and Slush has enhanced international networking and promoted the Kingdom as an attractive destination for startup activity. The 'Riyadi' license (Startup Investment Registration) is one of the Ministry of Investment's key initiatives, designed to empower international and local entrepreneurs to establish ventures easily with partners from around the world. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's broader objectives of economic diversification, innovation, and embedding a culture of entrepreneurship.
Saudi Gazette
21-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Foreign startup licenses in Saudi Arabia surge 118% to 550 by mid-2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The number of foreign startups licensed under Saudi Arabia's "Riyadi" initiative has reached 550 as of mid-2025, marking a 118% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Investment. This surge comes as part of national efforts to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for entrepreneurship by facilitating international startup entry and creating a flexible regulatory environment that fosters innovation and attracts investment. The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha'at) has also issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators across the country. These entities have played a vital role in attracting international entrepreneurs and supporting their growth journey — from early prototyping and mentorship to investor and market access — enabling them to launch effectively in the Saudi market. Flagship international events hosted in the Kingdom, such as Biban and LEAP, have further drawn global founders by showcasing Saudi Arabia's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and investment opportunities. Additionally, the active participation of Saudi stakeholders in global forums like Web Summit, Vivatech, and Slush has enhanced international networking and promoted the Kingdom as an attractive destination for startup activity. The "Riyadi" license (Startup Investment Registration) is one of the Ministry of Investment's key initiatives, designed to empower international and local entrepreneurs to establish ventures easily with partners from around the world. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's broader objectives of economic diversification, innovation, and embedding a culture of entrepreneurship.
Saudi Gazette
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- Saudi Gazette
621 car maintenance businesses operate under franchise system in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The National Program to Combat Commercial Concealment has revealed that the total number of branches operating under the franchise system in the auto maintenance business has reached 621. The franchises of 12 brands are awarded to entrepreneurs and investors through the Commercial Franchise Center platform of the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha'at). The program pointed out that 77 branches across all regions of Saudi Arabia provide franchisees with several services, including training, qualification, consultations, financing, logistical, technical and technical support, among others. The National Program to Combat Commercial Concealment recently launched the "Empowering Commercial Franchise in the Auto Maintenance Sector" initiative, with the participation of 10 supporting and enabling entities. The initiative aims to combat cover-up, increase the number of franchise brands in the sector, and enhance the benefits it provides to entrepreneurs and investors. The initiative targets automotive franchise brands, entrepreneurs, and investors. It aims to qualify brands for franchise opportunities, attract entrepreneurs and investors to take advantage of franchise opportunities, provide training and qualification to meet labor market needs, and provide the necessary funding to support and empower entrepreneurs and investors to expand their businesses.
