Latest news with #LabourFund
Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Tamkeen Announces New Intake for 'Mashroo3i' Program Targeting Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) announced the opening of applications for a new intake of its 'Mashroo3i' program, designed for individuals with innovative ideas who aspire to enter the world of entrepreneurship. The program aims to strengthen the Kingdom's entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage Bahraini youth to transform their innovative ideas into successful ventures. Through this program, Tamkeen offers Bahrainis with feasible business ideas, idea-stage startups, or early-stage startups the opportunity to join an intensive advisory program focused on developing key entrepreneurial skills. The program provides participants with the tools needed to turn their business concepts into viable business models or successful ventures. This edition of the program will feature two tracks: one offering training in Arabic and another in English, which aims to maximize the participation and impact to a wider audience. On this occasion, Mr. Khalid AlBayat, Chief Growth Officer at Tamkeen, emphasized the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and continuing to launch initiatives that encourage the youth to take that leap as he states: 'We are proud of the positive outcomes Mashroo3i has achieved over the past years and look forward to even greater success with this edition. This program plays a pivotal role in providing tailored guidance and mentorship to help transform a business idea into a reality, under the supervision of experienced experts in entrepreneurship who accompany participants throughout their journey. These ideas are transformed into entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to creating job opportunities for local talent and positively contributing to the Kingdom's economic development.' The finalists will have the opportunity to receive Tamkeen's support to cover the products and services needed to launch their business ventures. The support will be disbursed in phases based on achieving certain business milestones. The areas covered include machinery and equipment, marketing and branding, technology, minimum viable product (MVP) design, and patent. Mashroo3i program aligns with Tamkeen's strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable skills for career development in the private sector, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization, and sustainability, and supporting the development of the ecosystem surrounding the labor market and private sector. Applicants interested in joining this edition of Mashroo3i can learn more and apply through Tamkeen's website:
Daily Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini startups tackle global business gaps
TDT | Manama Bahraini startups take on global gaps. Startups born in Bahrain are emerging as bold solution-makers for international markets, addressing challenges from small business logistics to travel finance and digital investment platforms. The latest edition of the 'StartUp Bahrain Pitch' competition spotlighted this momentum, with top honours going to homegrown ventures that blend innovation with impact. Backed by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and held in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank, the event brought together high-potential founders, seasoned investors, and ecosystem champions under one roof. Tech-first solutions This year's winners reflect Bahrain's sharpened edge in innovation. First-place went to Tammam, an AI-powered app that streamlines order management for small operators in the food, retail, and beauty sectors. Second-place was awarded to BizBay, a digital marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, and investors, simplifies exits and safeguards business continuity through a single platform. Also in the spotlight were Rentat, a proptech platform for rent automation and landlord-tenant management, and Safer, a travel-focused fintech offering a secure 'Buy Now, Pay Later' service for trip bookings. Support drives success The judging panel featured a blend of regional and international voices, including Fatma Sultan Bahwan, CCO of AlJabr MENA; Sam Marchant, Partner at Inaugural; Karim Konsowa, Portfolio Manager at Hub71; and Laith Al-Khalili, Associate Director at Mumtalakat. Speaking on behalf of Tammam, Noor Alderazi said: 'Winning first place is a great honour. StartUp Bahrain Pitch gave us a valuable opportunity to showcase our work on a national platform among experts, investors, and startup ecosystem leaders.' Echoing the sentiment, BizBay's Ali AlSawad added: 'This experience allowed us to connect with the wider startup community and explore new avenues for growth and development.' Building innovation culture The event is part of a broader push to embed innovation deeply within Bahrain's economic fabric, supported by public-private partnerships and platforms like StartUp Bahrain. Organisers say future editions will continue to identify and empower ventures with global relevance and national roots.
Biz Bahrain
28-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
StartUp Bahrain Pitch competition announces new winners, celebrating more innovation in Bahrain's startup ecosystem
StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), proudly hosted the most recent edition of the highly anticipated entrepreneurial series, StartUp Bahrain Pitch, highlighting rising founders from Bahrain's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event was hosted in collaboration with key industry stakeholders—including the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB). The new edition builds on the remarkable success of the previous ones, which have helped cultivate a strong culture of innovation and creativity within Bahrain's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The recent edition featured a distinguished judging panel of industry experts and seasoned investors, including Fatma Sultan Bahwan, Chief Commercial Officer of AlJabr MENA and keynote speaker of the event, Sam Marchant, Partner at Inaugural, Karim Konsowa, Portfolio Manager at Hub71, and Laith Al-Khalili, Associate Director at Mumtalakat. The event featured a dynamic group of emerging Bahraini startups, including: Tammam, a smart order management app powered by AI that streamlines small-scale operations across food, retail, and beauty sectors; Rentat, a proptech platform that automates rent collection and enhances property management for both landlords and tenants; Safer, a travel-focused fintech solution offering a secure 'Buy Now, Pay Later' service for booking trips with ease and flexibility; and BizBay, a digital marketplace connecting buyers, sellers, and investors, simplifying exit processes and safeguarding investments—all through one unified platform. After a competitive round of pitches, the judging panel thoroughly evaluated the participating founders and their ideas, and announced this year's winning startups, awarding Tammam with first place, and BizBay with second place. Commenting on the occasion, Noor Alderazi, speaking on behalf of the winning team, said: 'We're proud to be part of StartUp Bahrain Pitch, an initiative that champions bold ideas and promising ventures. Winning first place is a great honor, and it gave us a valuable opportunity to showcase our work on a national platform among experts, investors, and startup ecosystem leaders.' Also sharing their thoughts, Ali AlSawad, representing the second-place winner, stated: 'We sincerely thank all the supporting entities and organizations that contributed to the success of this initiative. Being part of this experience offered us a valuable opportunity to connect with the startup community and explore new avenues for growth and development.'
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
J.P. Morgan and Tamkeen Launch Global Tech Centre to Empower Bahraini Talent
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Trust and Chairman of the Labour Fund, reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to enhancing its standing as a leading global investment destination. This comes under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and in line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. During a meeting held at Riffa Palace with Mr. Khaled Hoballah, Regional CEO of J.P. Morgan for the Middle East and North Africa, and Mr. Abdulla Al Janahi, General Manager of J.P. Morgan in Bahrain, His Highness highlighted the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to foster a stimulating business environment. He cited the role of highly skilled and ambitious national competencies as a cornerstone of Bahrain's development strategy. Also present at the meeting were His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed bin Salman Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Crown Prince's Court, and Ms. Maha Abdul Hameed Mufiz, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). His Highness was briefed on the latest developments in collaborative initiatives between Tamkeen and J.P. Morgan, most notably the launch of the Global Centre of Excellence for Technology in Bahrain. The Centre aims to support national talent by providing high-quality training and employment opportunities in the information technology sector. His Highness noted that such partnerships significantly contribute to Bahrain's comprehensive development, enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. He further emphasized that investment in national human capital remains a strategic priority, as it strengthens the role of Bahraini professionals in driving sustainable economic growth and shaping the Kingdom's future. The establishment of the Global Centre of Excellence for Technology is expected to reinforce Bahrain's position as a regional hub for financial technology, aligning with national efforts to diversify the economy and advance innovation-led development.
Biz Bahrain
26-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Tamkeen Supports Wage Increments for Over 50 Bahrainis in Arla Foods
The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) announced its support for wage increments for 58 employees at Arla Foods through the Wage Increment Program which aims to develop Bahraini talent in the private sector. This support builds on the continuous efforts by Arla Foods to employ and develop Bahraini nationals and invest in their success. Tamkeen's support for Arla Foods is aligned with its strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable skills for career development in the private sector, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization, and sustainability, and supporting the development of the ecosystem surrounding the labor market and private sector. On this occasion, Mr. Khalid Al Bayat, Chief Growth Officer at the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), commented: 'supporting Bahraini talent to achieve career development is a priority for us as it aligns with our main objective of making Bahrainis the employees of choice in the labor market. We do that through our Wage Increment Program, and we are excited to see large enterprises in Bahrain such as Arla Foods benefiting from this program as they stand to offer quality opportunities to Bahrainis who in return contribute to enhancing productivity and efficiency in these enterprises' On her part, Ms. Mona Alsari, Head of HR MENA Supply Chain at Arla Foods commended Tamkeen's ongoing effers in supporting career development for the national workforce through various programs and initiatives. She stated: 'we are proud of our Bahraini employees who contribute effectively to this company and we make it a priority to offer them growth and development opportunities. That's where Tamkeen's programs play vital role by offering support that is aligned with the private sector's needs, enabling us to achieve our common goals.' Tamkeen has introduced various programs designed to support employment and career development for Bahraini professionals, ensuring they remain the first choice of employment in the labor market. Additionally, Tamkeen offers multiple enterprise support programs to strengthen the private sector, positioning it as the main driver of economic growth in the Kingdom.
