Dubai Chamber
The new initiative will see Coca-Cola offer a support programme for restaurants in the UAE. Image Credit: Dubai Chamber

Dubai: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced its Business Mentoring and Support (BMS) programme designed to help SMEs navigate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be done by pairing them with large corporate houses that can offer mentorship where needed.

The programme was established by Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business, and will help participants strengthen business skills and competencies. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for large corporates to enhance their CSR (corporate social responsibility) impact and contribute to the development of Dubai’s economy.

The Coca-Cola Company will launch the first initiative supported by the Dubai Chamber initiative. Under the company’s ‘Open Like Never Before’ initiative, it will donate 250,000 face masks and $240,000 worth of products to 3,000 restaurants and small stores across the UAE, and advise the retailers with in-store safety communications and social awareness campaigns designed to encourage customers to support local stores.

“It was a natural move for Dubai Chamber to create a programme providing these enterprises with valuable support and resources in the key challenge areas, in a way that not only addresses immediate needs but also helps them develop and grow into thriving businesses,” said Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber.