Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) organized the first edition of the Tawasul Forum in 2020 on January 29 in Abu Dhabi. The Forum was attended by a variety of Emirati entrepreneurs, who are both members and applicants of the Fund, alongside government entities and strategic partners. The Forum was launched by Khalifa Fund to enhance commercial ties between the SME sector and the government and the private sectors, to promote the exchange of expertise, and create new job opportunities, alongside introducing SMEs to local and strategic partners.
The Tawasul Forum cultivates a culture in the UAE focused on entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation, alongside seeking to stimulate investment in SMEs locally. The Forum also looks to shed light on the projects, products and services which are offered by Khalifa Fund, as well as establishing dialogue between entrepreneurs and local UAE institutions, including the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Higher Colleges of Technology, the National Health Insurance Company – Daman, and the Department of Economic Development.
Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, commented: “We continue to enhance our programs to complement the needs of both the UAE’s entrepreneurial sector, and the national economy. Khalifa Fund regularly organizes the Tawasul Forum, allowing entrepreneurs excellent networking opportunities that can boost their enterprises.
“To encourage innovation and support start-ups, we organize a range of events that positively impact funded enterprises’ financial performance. Enterprises affiliated with Khalifa Fund have a 75% success rate, compared to a global average of 50%, according to our latest study. The 166 enterprises which are affiliated with Khalifa Fund achieved a total combined revenue of AED 500 million in 2018, reflecting their importance in supporting the national economy,” she added.
Concluding, Al Nasri said: “During the history of the Fund, we have supported over 20,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, with a suite of professional consultations and mentoring sessions that enhance and develop their enterprising skill-set. We thank our strategic partners for their concerted efforts in supporting Khalifa Fund supported SMEs.”
The first edition of the Tawasul Forum in 2020 included a variety of key discussion sessions, focused on augmenting communication between Khalifa Fund’s local partners and supporting entities, shedding light on how SME owners could overcome obstacles in developing their enterprises. The Forum also heard local business insights, provided by market experts, alongside introducing the comprehensive range of the Fund’s services. Additionally, members of Khalifa Fund were able to register in local and strategic partners’ list of suppliers.
Organized regularly by Khalifa Fund, the Tawasul Forum strengthens the strategic collaboration between public sector institutions and entrepreneurs, and encourages established government and private sector companies to empower SMEs. Khalifa Fund organizes the Tawasul Forum as part of its ongoing commitment to enhance the UAE’s entrepreneurship eco-system, as one of the central pillars of an innovative, diverse and knowledge-based economy.
