Latest news with #Istidama
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: SME Committee discusses initiatives to support entrepreneurs
Muscat: The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry convened to discuss various initiatives and projects aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial sector. During the meeting, participants reviewed the concept for the "Tamkeen & Sumo" Exhibition in Riyadh , which is being organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Riyadh Chamber. Discussions focused on the targeted sectors and proposed adding new fields, including *health, training, media, and marketing. The committee also emphasized the importance of establishing clear criteria for selecting participating companies, with a focus on growth-oriented and scalable businesses. The committee also discussed a proposal to hold a forum for SME support during the Dhofar Autumn Festival 2025, scheduled for August. Around 60 enterprises from different governorates in Oman are expected to participate, with selection managed through the Chamber's branches in the governorates. Coordination with Dhofar Municipality will ensure the festival's organization and the selection of a strategic location to attract families and visitors. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on existing initiatives, including the "Istidama" platform, the "Istiqdam" platform , and the Food Security Project aimed at supporting 20 small and medium enterprises by cultivating desert lemons over an area of 400 acres . Sheikh Ahmed bin Amer Al Musalhi, Chairman of the Committee, stated that the committee is committed to adopting sustainable initiatives that contribute to the development of strong and competitive SMEs at both local and regional levels. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to provide genuine platforms for growth and expansion, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and ease of access to markets and investment opportunities, ultimately enhancing the role of SMEs in advancing the national economy. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
03-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
SME Committee discusses initiatives to support entrepreneurs
Muscat: The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry convened to discuss various initiatives and projects aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial sector. During the meeting, participants reviewed the concept for the "Tamkeen & Sumo" Exhibition in Riyadh , which is being organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Riyadh Chamber. Discussions focused on the targeted sectors and proposed adding new fields, including *health, training, media, and marketing. The committee also emphasized the importance of establishing clear criteria for selecting participating companies, with a focus on growth-oriented and scalable businesses. The committee also discussed a proposal to hold a forum for SME support during the Dhofar Autumn Festival 2025, scheduled for August. Around 60 enterprises from different governorates in Oman are expected to participate, with selection managed through the Chamber's branches in the governorates. Coordination with Dhofar Municipality will ensure the festival's organization and the selection of a strategic location to attract families and visitors. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on existing initiatives, including the "Istidama" platform, the "Istiqdam" platform , and the Food Security Project aimed at supporting 20 small and medium enterprises by cultivating desert lemons over an area of 400 acres . Sheikh Ahmed bin Amer Al Musalhi, Chairman of the Committee, stated that the committee is committed to adopting sustainable initiatives that contribute to the development of strong and competitive SMEs at both local and regional levels. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to provide genuine platforms for growth and expansion, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and ease of access to markets and investment opportunities, ultimately enhancing the role of SMEs in advancing the national economy.
Times of Oman
18-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Hackathon and Investment bootcamp kicks off to promote financial literacy
Muscat: The College of Banking and Financial Studies in Muscat launched the Hackathon and Investment Bootcamp today. This initiative is part of the National Framework for Enhancing Financial Literacy, organised jointly by the National Programme for Financial Sustainability and Sector Development (Istidama) and the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at Sultan Qaboos University. The hackathon and bootcamp aim to develop innovative solutions that promote a saving and investment culture, empowering individuals to make more informed and sustainable financial decisions. Thirty-one teams, comprising small and startup businesses, university students, and job seekers from across Oman, are participating with their creative ideas. The initiative team evaluates submissions based on the strength of the idea, feasibility, and completeness of team members. Eligible teams undergo guidance throughout the three-day hackathon, culminating in the selection of 10 teams for the Investment Bootcamp phase, which will continue for three months following the hackathon's conclusion. Participants benefit from specialised workshops and mentoring sessions conducted by financial experts and business development specialists to transform their concepts into practical prototypes. These prototypes will be presented to potential investors on the final day, where the winning teams will also be announced. This year, 247 ideas were submitted, of which 31 were shortlisted for participation. The event was inaugurated by Abdullah bin Salem Al-Harthi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance. The National Framework for Enhancing Financial Literacy, announced in mid-2024, focuses on enabling individuals to effectively plan and manage their financial resources by promoting core financial concepts and delivering innovative awareness and educational programmes. These programmes utilise diverse methods, including experiential learning and encouraging behavioural change.
