- The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Fund has been launched through a strategic partnership between the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Al Salam Bank, and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) to support national projects and entrepreneurship growth.
Financing applications will open on November 10, 2025, at the Bahrain Development Bank headquarters, with total financing exceeding USD 185 million, and profit support of up to 50% provided by Tamkeen.
The fund represents a national strategic initiative translating the government’s directives to empower SMEs and enhance their contribution to achieving Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
His Excellency Abdullah Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of the SME Development Board, announced the official launch of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Fund during the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025. The launch was marked by the signing of strategic partnership agreements between the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Al Salam Bank, and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), in the presence of senior government officials and banking sector representatives.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Expanding Access to Finance
Minister Fakhro emphasized that the launch of the fund is a key milestone in implementing the government’s vision, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support the private sector and enable SMEs to grow through easier access to financing.
He noted that this initiative is one of the strategic projects launched by the SME Development Board to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven national economy and enhance the role of entrepreneurs in Bahrain’s ongoing development journey.
Fakhro added that the fund aligns with the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem through public-private partnerships that open new horizons for local enterprises to innovate, expand, and contribute to Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Partners’ Remarks
Dalal Al Qais, Group CEO of Bahrain Development Bank, said:
“The launch of the SMEs Fund reaffirms our deep commitment to supporting Bahraini entrepreneurs and driving sustainable growth in this vital sector. This initiative is not only about providing capital but also about enabling innovation and expansion to ensure these businesses play an active role in Bahrain’s economic development. At BDB, we are proud to play a central role in building an economy rooted in financial inclusion and equal opportunity.”
Maha Mofeez, CEO of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), added:
“Tamkeen’s support for the SMEs Fund comes as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the growth and development of small and medium enterprises by facilitating access to financing through collaboration with banking partners. This initiative will help SMEs increase productivity, expand employment opportunities for Bahrainis, and enhance their contribution to the national economy.”
Application and Financing Details
Applications for financing will open on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Bahrain Development Bank headquarters in the Diplomatic Area.
SME owners interested in applying can visit the main branch or contact the bank at 17511000 to learn more about the application process and receive support from dedicated relationship managers.
Financing Features
The Bahrain Development Bank will manage the fund, offering Sharia-compliant financing solutions exceeding USD 185 million, with profit support of up to 50% from Tamkeen and a repayment period of up to five years.
The fund will provide simplified, flexible financing options designed to bridge funding gaps and enhance the banking experience for SMEs in Bahrain.
A National Vision for Sustainable Growth
The fund’s launch reflects effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, aligning with Bahrain’s economic diversification and growth goals.
It marks a significant national milestone, reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to empowering SMEs, fostering innovation, and advancing toward a competitive and sustainable economy under Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
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