Date: January 18, 2015
Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) announced the group of selected members for its Direct Support Programme for the year 2015 in an official ceremony that was held at Bait Al Zubair in Muscat on 18 January 2015. The event was held under the patronage of Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Zubair, Managing Director of The Zubair Corporation, with the presence of a number of the Centre’s members and executive management representatives from both public and private institutions and organisations that support small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship in The Sultanate.
The winners are entrepreneurs and young business owners, members of Zubair SEC, who have perused the journey of having their own businesses and have proven dedication towards achieving progress and success:
- Adel Suwaid Salim Al Abri, National High Tides “Uniboats”: sea tourism and watersports services – Wilayat Muscat, Muscat Governorate
- Kadhia Hamid Mohammed Al Nabhani, Jana’en Al Hamra’ Private School: a private school for both genders from kindergarten to elementary levels – Wilayat Al Hamra, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate
- Amur Khalfan Mohammed Al Rawahi, Arab Adventures: Environmental tourism in the Sultanate – Wilayat Al Seeb, Muscat Governorate
- Aisha Alawi Hafidh Baabood, White Hands Centre for Assistance & Rehabilitation Techniques: Advanced complementary therapy services for people with disabilities- Wilayat Al Seeb, Muscat Governorate
- Mahfodha Ahmed Rahmi Al Balushi, Dar Al Khabourah: designing and crafting traditional Omani silver Works – Wilayat Al Khabourah, Al Batinah North Governorate
- Muna Humaid Omair Al Khusaibi, Dar Al Washa Trade “Kidani”: design and crafting of Arabian jewelry and dresses – Wilayat Al Seeb, Muscat Governorate
- Najlaa Bilal Said Al Shekaili, Raneem Jalan: Selling women wear and accessories through a sales network from local communities to provide them with sources of income – Wilayat Ja’laan Bani Bu Hasan, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate
- Nasra Yasser Nasser Al Mamari, A Touch of Velvet: designing perfume and bath products customised as per clients requests – Wilayat Al Seeb, Muscat Governorate
- Yousuf Thani Sulaiman Al Jabri, Al Mithaliyah Printing Press “EnvoMail”: producing different kinds of envelops using an array of eco-friendly paper – Wilayat Al Amirate, Muscat Governorate
- Yousuf Yaqoob Nasser Al Busaidi, Asia Food: specialised in tea mixing and packaging, owners of the brand “King” – Wilayat Nizwa, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate
“We celebrate today the launch of a new batch of distinguished entrepreneurs and their outstanding projects, ideas and determination to be a valuable addition to the small businesses market in the Sultanate”, said Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair, Managing Director of The Zubair Corporation. He added, “We in Zubair Small Enterprises Centre harness all the capabilities and efforts of our employees to serve as a valuable source of expertise and consultations for all entrepreneurs and provide strategic partnerships with the center’s distinguished partners. We will continue the development of our work in Zubair Small Enterprises Centre to be the ideal destination for each entrepreneur and a vibrant work environment for the benefit of each member and remain a valuable source of support for the future of entrepreneur’s project”.
The Centre has opened doors for applications to join the Direct Support Programme in its second round last June; around 100 of the Centre’s members applied and a very thorough assessment process lasted for more than 3 months to select the ten winners based on diversified selection criteria. The criteria included the personality, business plan, working team, product/service specifications and features, market specifications, financial needs, innovation, and social impact.
The Zubair SEC Direct Support Programme rewards members who have joined it through existing or potential business projects and have proven through their engagement with the Centre’s team remarkable commitment towards their goals and sincere perseverance in taking to heart all guidance and advice provided by the Centre. Their projects are based on proper strategic planning and accurate feasibility studies that reflect its owners’ determination to apply best business administration practices and standards. Accordingly, those valued members who are carefully selected to join the Programme will enjoy further incubation and acceleration services through advisory and financial support.
“Joining Zubair SEC was an entrance to various benefits such as individual business advisory sessions, training workshops, and participation at SME related exhibitions. I have ambitions to expand with my business and being selected for the Direct Support Programme brought tremendous value and encouragement and will help me achieve many of the goals that I have set for the near future”, said Adel Al Abri, winner of the Direct Support Programme 2015.
“I am passionate about my business, and I have a lot of ambition to further excel with my brand ‘Kidani’. Joining the Zubair SEC Direct Support Programme came at the perfect timing to meet many of my needs for guidance in strategic planning and brand development, as well as the financial grant that will help much with my capital expenditure. All thanks goes to The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC team for their continued support and care”, said Muna Al Khusaibi, winner of the Direct Support Programme 2015.
It is worth mentioning that all members of Zubair SEC enjoy the Centre’s services including advisory sessions and capacity building workshops, as well as special facilities and services by Zubair SEC’s private and public sector partners who share similar mandate towards supporting small enterprises in the Sultanate; nevertheless, only a certain number of members are selected every year for the Direct Support Programme to create some positive competition amongst the Centre’s members towards further dedication and better achievements.
Zubair SEC is one of the initiatives which emanated from The Zubair Corporation’s Social Responsibility strategic vision towards the Omani society. The vision reflects the corporation’s belief in the importance of small enterprises (SEs) in enhancing the national economy and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development. The Centre comprises a team of socially engaged and business savvy advisors who put all effort to contribute to leveraging the Omani community through equipping and enabling entrepreneurs and start-ups to grow with their businesses in a sustainable and responsible manner. Since its launch in 2013, Zubair SEC has joined to its membership more than 200 small businesses and around 240 entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses from all sectors of the economy to benefit from its services and support.
About The Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC)
Established in June 2013, the Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) is a key initiative derived from The Zubair Corporation’s Social Responsibility strategic vision towards the Omani society. The vision reflects the corporation’s belief in the importance of small enterprises (SEs) in enhancing the national economy and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development. The Centre extends business mentorship and guidance to Oman’s promising member entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses, as well as financial support to selected members every year, to help them succeed and grow in a sustainable manner.
For more information on Zubair SEC, please contact the Communications Office at info@zubairsec.org