Bahrain’s semi-autonomous government agency, the “Tamkeen” Labour Fund is gradually reopening its programs by resuming the application window for a new edition of its Business Development program.
The application window for the Business Development program is expected to reopen on the 21st of February with a focus on the growth and sustainability of the enterprises.
H H Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa Chairman – Tamkeen
“The improvements came as part of the recently announced strategy during Tamkeen’s Consultation Forum. According to the feedback received from the Forum, it emphasized the need to add more flexibility to the support programs while also increasing the quality and performance of the services, and to encourage enterprises to adopt more digital and innovative solutions to achieve further expansion and sustainability.”
Speaking about the most prominent changes to the program, Mr. Al Khalifa stated that the initiative will now focus on supporting enterprises that are dynamic and in line with the current changes, and have objective-based development goals, to further encourage enterprises to adopt innovative solutions and improve their services.
Tamkeen’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi emphasized that the new changes will focus on effectiveness and sustainability across all sectors, including micro-enterprises and small and medium enterprises.
“It will also include virtual CRs where the owners can benefit from the allocated financial grants to support their wages. Enterprises will also be able to apply for services from virtual CRs which are now considered part of the Business Development program, given that they’re considered service providers,” the Tamkeen CEO added.
The program will support different fields including;
Machinery and Equipment,
Marketing and Branding,
Information and Communications Technology (ICT),
Business Consulting,
Quality Management,
Accounting and Audit,
Exhibition Participation and
Cloud Computing
given that the support expenditures cover up to 50 percent of the value.
Tamkeen’s Human Capital support will cover 50 percent of the salary for Bahraini employees for a period of 18 months. The wage support and support for equipment leasing will be added on later.
Tamkeen had earlier halted its main programs to redirect efforts and resources towards a unified program, the Business Continuity Support program for supporting enterprises affected by the economic repercussions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
