From funding to mentorship: Khalifa Fund and Sheraa power the future of UAE SMEs

23 May 2025 00:15
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)At Make it in the Emirates 2025, national entities have come on board to show how they are contributing to the activation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a key component of the UAE non-oil economy. The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is among those that have prioritised helping SMEs.
'The fund offers loans with flexible terms and grace periods, tailored to SMEs' needs,' said Zayed Al Khzaimi, Senior Business Counsellor at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in an interview with Aletihad . 'We also run the SME Finance Facilitator Programme, connecting entrepreneurs with banks and enabling joint credit assessments to improve access to financing. So far, we have supported over 1,200 Emiratis with more than Dh1.3 billion, driving SME sustainability across the UAE.'This support, he explained, is aligned closely with national goals, focusing on priority sectors like manufacturing, AgriTech, green energy, and healthcare.'Through partnerships with key entities, we encourage innovation, empower local talent, and accelerate prototype development.'Acknowledging financing gaps as one of the main barriers for SMEs, Al Khzaimi said the fund offers 'the SME Finance Facilitator to help businesses navigate the banking system, prove their creditworthiness, and access funding'.KFED's support goes beyond a simple investment, Al Khzaimi added. Training, mentorship, and networking opportunities all contribute to empowering SMEs. 'We also support alignment with key standards like ICV, enabling SMEs to enter broader supply chains and secure public contracts,' he said. 'Overall, we aim to transform SMEs into globally competitive players—not just local contributors; by boosting their efficiency and entrepreneurial capabilities.'
Support from SheraaAnother key supporter of SMEs is Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, stressed the organisation's unwavering commitment to industrial innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE: 'We believe that entrepreneurs are the driving force behind industrial transformation, and it is our responsibility to build a supportive environment to help them grow their businesses.'
Sheraa seeks to empower entrepreneurs and connect them with real industrial opportunities that contribute to national objectives in localisation and sustainable manufacturing, Al Nuaimi told Aletihad . The centre provides SMEs exposure opportunities through platforms like Make it in the Emirates, apart from mentorship services and incubator support. 'We also help them connect with investors and gain market access, as well as scale and grow in the UAE through our ecosystem partners,' Al Nuaimi said.
'The SME sector is one of the pillars of the UAE economy. It is a key driver of national growth, and it's our role to create the right ecosystem for SMEs to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the country's future,' she said.
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