SALALAH: The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Azm) has provided 26 financing loans to entrepreneurs in Dhofar Governorate, amounting to over RO 2.613 million between 2022 and 2024.
According to Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Ghassani, Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department in Dhofar Governorate, 18,027 establishments have registered with the authority as of mid-2024, with 2,139 of them receiving an entrepreneurship card. Small enterprises dominate the region with 16,000 registered, followed by 1,662 small and 119 medium enterprises.
The Entrepreneurship Card offers various benefits, including access to government and private incentives, training courses, financial and technical consultations, and participation in exhibitions organised by the authority.
Al Ghassani highlighted the ongoing efforts to qualify and develop entrepreneurs. In 2024 alone, 293 participants joined the Entrepreneur Readiness Programme, and 74 entrepreneurs received consultations in business-related areas such as marketing, legal advice, and feasibility studies.
The department continues to promote a culture of entrepreneurship, startups, and creative financing, aiming to support the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises and the creative handicraft sector in Dhofar. - ONA
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