How KFED is Transforming Abu Dhabi’s Economy—One SME at a Time
In an exciting development for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has announced the continuation and expansion of its funding programs. These initiatives are set to provide crucial financial support to Emirati entrepreneurs with emerging and established projects, particularly within Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors.
With a focus on boosting the SME ecosystem, KFED’s new financial package aims to nurture innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of businesses across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agricultural technology, IT, communications, tourism, industry, and other innovative projects.
KFED’s offerings are designed to help businesses flourish at different stages of their journey. The Startup Funding Program covers up to 80 percent of the total project establishment costs, with favourable repayment terms that extend over a period of up to 84 months, including a grace period of up to 24 months. This support provides a much-needed lifeline to budding entrepreneurs looking to transform their ideas into successful ventures.
Meanwhile, the Scale-up Funding Program is tailor-made for established SMEs looking to expand and grow further. This program also covers up to 80 percent of the total expansion costs, allowing business owners to scale their operations and take their enterprises to the next level.
Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, highlighted the importance of these programs in driving Abu Dhabi's economic growth. She stated, "We are committed to empowering entrepreneurship within the community and contributing to the establishment of a more diverse and sustainable economic model. Through this move, we seek to design financial solutions that broaden our support for projects, especially SMEs, which serve as a key pillar for establishing a sustainable economic model and a primary driver for attracting investments and boosting the competitiveness of the national economy."
Al Nasri also emphasised the significance of innovation in today’s economy. “We encourage entrepreneurs to take advantage of the support opportunities available, both financial and non-financial. The new financial packages reflect our commitment to supporting and solidifying the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, in line with the Falcon Economy initiatives. These efforts aim to promote economic diversification and a shift toward a smart and circular economy, particularly by supporting SMEs.”
KFED’s funding programs don’t just offer financial backing—they serve as a comprehensive tool for empowering entrepreneurs. In addition to the loans, KFED provides essential training and consulting services aimed at helping business owners develop their skills and achieve long-term success. In 2024 alone, KFED delivered entrepreneurship training courses to over 5,600 participants, along with group consulting sessions to over 600 individuals.
This holistic approach is what sets KFED apart. By combining financial assistance with skill development, they ensure entrepreneurs are well-equipped to manage their businesses successfully. The Fund’s ultimate goal? To create a vibrant, competitive, and innovative SME landscape that significantly contributes to Abu Dhabi’s GDP and economic future.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business, now is the time to explore the opportunities offered by KFED’s funding programs. With easy-to-manage loans and extensive support services, this could be your chance to transform your vision into reality while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you updates on the latest initiatives aimed at supporting the local business community!
