Dubai's Dh500m SME fund: Businesses in F&B, consumer goods, ecommerce can apply

Dubai: Dubai based small and mid-sized businesses in the food and beverage space, fast moving consumer goods, and retail can apply for the newly launched Dh500 million ‘Dubai International Growth Initiative’. 

Businesses into e-commerce, services and manufacturing sectors can also apply as part of the initial recipients of the Dubai funding program. The first phase will facilitate up to Dh15 million in funding to SMEs with Emirates NBD’s support, for periods of up to 7 years. 

A joint steering committee - with representatives from Dubai Government and Emirates NBD - will be responsible for guiding the program.

The 'Dubai International Growth Initiative' is aligned with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate's GDP. To be eligible, the SMEs must:

Once the eligibility criteria are met, a dedicated specialist will do a review of the applicants’ business, followed by the joint steering committee’s review for inclusion in the initiative. Qualified applicants will work  with Emirates NBD to receive 'tailored financial solutions' to address their unique growth needs.

Additional sectors are to be added in subsequent phases. "Focusing on Dubai's key strategic sectors, the initiative ensures that approved participants will gain access to financing for their global expansion," the statement added.

The funds disbursed will allow them to manage cashflow effectively during their global expansion phase. The cost of financing will be based on the EIBOR (Emirates’ Interbank Offered Rate), with no additional margin.