The UAE’s National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises of the Ministry of Economy will host the Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition (SME Expo) from April 29-30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (Adnec).

The two-day free-to-attend SME Expo is being organized in collaboration with funding programs to support and encourage Emirati entrepreneurs, including the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation ‘Ruwad’, and Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla Programme for Supporting Youth Enterprises.

The SME Expo allows UAE entrepreneurs to benefit from the insights and ideas of leading industry experts and solution providers to develop their businesses and projects. The event is supported by National Bank of Fujairah, Emirates Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Global Markets.

Dr Adeeb Alafeefi, director, of the National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises of the Ministry of Economy said: “The National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises of the Ministry of Economy is committed to continuing its efforts to support and develop this pivotal sector. The Program aims to empower the small and medium-sized national entrepreneurs and develop blueprints to provide expertise, technical support as well as training to boost SMEs.”

“Earlier this year, Emirates Development Bank launched Dh100 million credit guarantee program for SMEs in coordination with partner banks and the UAE Banks Federation. Through this scheme, they aim to boost SMEs’ business activities and pave the way for economic diversity in line with the UAE’s move towards a post-oil economy.

“The SME Expo represents a distinct initiative in this path, where the Ministry is keen towards providing a platform for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the UAE to communicate and share ideas, learn best practices and build partnerships that contribute to the transition of the sector's competitiveness and growth to higher levels,” he added.

Vince Cook, CEO, National Bank of Fujairah and headline sponsor of SME Expo said: “We are proud to be the headline sponsor of this prestigious event and to support entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions that will achieve business growth and customer satisfaction.”

“At NBF, we have long recognized the important role of SMEs in driving economic growth through innovation. As such, we have established a solid reputation as the financial partner for businesses in the UAE committed to supporting their growth and expansion by offering a bespoke portfolio of solutions catering to their unique challenges – whether it concerns financing, VAT reporting, operational efficiency or market intelligence.

“A very recent example of this broad support is our collaboration with the Emirates Development Bank on the “Credit Guarantee Scheme” to provide much-needed funding to the segment,” he added.

The two-day SME Expo will bring leading professionals who will conduct 20-minute masterclasses, presenting case studies and seminars that will focus on trending topics and issues affecting SMEs in the UAE. There will be a one-stop interactive exhibition designed exclusively to enhance the SME sector’s productivity, competitiveness and profitability and networking lounge where attendees can visit in breaks between sessions and connect with industry professionals.

SME Expo will provide industry experts access to over 150 exhibitors from a range of sectors including: Startup Incubator; Government Services; Technology; Education/Training and Consultant; Office Supply & Furniture; Real Estate Services & Retail; Trade and Business Services; Finance/Insurance & Banks; Legal Services, Accountants & Finance Consultancies; Free Zones & Economic Zones; Marketing & Communication Services; Tourism; Food and Beverages; Health and Wellness; and Logistics. – TradeArabia News Service