Date: September 4, 2016
Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) launched its fourth round of the Direct Support Programme (DSP) under the auspices of Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair, Managing Director of The Zubair Corporation, and the presence of members of executive management from The Zubair Corporation and other organisations interested in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. The fourth round of the programme came as a direct result of the success of the past three rounds which included 28 small businesses in various sectors.
The launching event started with a performance by the Capoera Training Centre, members of Zubair SEC’s The Direct Support Programme 2016; the Capoera is globally practiced for rehabilitation and empowerment of kids and adults alike, and in many cases for treatment of post-traumatic patents and people with disabilities.
In his opening speech, Khalid bin Muhammad Al Zubair, Managing Director of The Zubair Corporation said: “Small businesses are a vibrant and growing sector within the economy. This sector is expected to play a significant role in realizing the nation’s economic diversification goals while helping to create sustainable jobs and generate new opportunities for young Omanis. Each successful small enterprise strengthens the economy and in doing so, contributes towards the sustainable growth of our nation“.
Commenting on the role Zubair SEC is playing in bridging between small enterprises and larger size companies, he added: “we believe that through collaboration and partnerships we can achieve our national goals and move ever closer towards a sustainable and prosperous future. For this reason, and on top of all the major advisory services it provides, a key aspect of Zubair SEC’s strategy is helping small enterprises to develop business networks and to cultivate partnerships with large corporations and established companies that also recognise the importance of the small business sector to the future of our nation“.
The also programme included an elaborated presentation by Zubair SEC about The Direct Support Programme, its selection criteria and process, the progress it has witnessed in past three rounds, and the anticipated developments for the coming round.
Oasis Logistics also presented a brief on the development of the Biladi Mart wholesale project that has been specially designed and launched as part of The Direct Support Programme for this year 2016, hosting one seat of the 10 winners seats for this year.
At the end of the event, a number of Zubair SEC’s partners were recognized for their significant contribution in supporting the Centre’s members; those included Ms Khaula Al Harthy, Executive Director of Injaz-Oman; Mr Ameen Al Husseini, CEO of Oman Arab Bank; Mr Talal Al Zadjali, Senior Executive Director of Micro and Small Enterprises at Sohar Bank; and Mr Salim Al Rahbi on behalf of the SMEs Group in Oman.
Two Zubair SEC alumni members from the first round of The Direct Support Programme 2014 were designated as volunteering specialized advisors, to share their experience and insight with their fellow members.
Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme rewards members who prove throughout their work with the Centre their commitment towards success and dedication in applying the consultancy and advice provided to them by the Zubair SEC team. These members’ projects and businesses should also reflect proper strategic planning and accurate feasibility studies that reflect their owners’ eagerness to apply best business administration measures with the assistance of Zubair SEC.
Accordingly, selected members for the Direct Support Programme receive additional direct advisory and consultancy services as well as a financial grant to support their businesses. Although all members of Zubair SEC benefit from advisory and training services, financial facilitation, and support that the Centre and its network of cooperative partners provide, only a specific number of members get selected every year for the Direct Support Programme, as an approach to create positive competitiveness amongst members and to encourage them to work harder and be more committed and dedicated towards achieving their objectives and ambitions.
The number of beneficiaries of the Direct Support Programme has reached 28 members during the previous three rounds of the programme. The geographical demographics show an increase in the reach of the programme to cover a good number of governorates outside Muscat.
The work team of the programme have further developed the selection criteria and conditions to be applied, adding a marked progress in the quality of the projects selected for the programme. The criteria covered the social impact aspect of each applying project in an attempt by the Centre to encourage its members to be aware of this impact while designing and running their businesses.
The main terms and conditions for applying to the program are:
- All Omanis are welcome to apply
- Applicants should have a clear understanding of the type of business they have
- Applicants need to present a business plan
- Applicants need to be members at Zubair SEC; none-members are welcome to sign up at the Centre then apply for the Direct Support Programme during the application period
Zubair SEC will accept new applications from current and new members to join the programme and during the months following the launch of the fourth round, projects and the performance of their owners will be assessed accordingly.
The last date to submit applications to enrol in the programme is Thursday, 20 October 2016.
For more information on Zubair SEC and the Direct Support Programme, please contact the Communications Office at info@zubairsec.org or call 24737325 for further assistance.