Abu dhabi: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has announced enhancements to its financing ecosystem to empower national entrepreneurship and accelerate the growth of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is achieved through seven integrated financing programmes that support the needs of enterprises across different stages of growth, from inception and expansion to innovation and technology-driven advancement.
According to Emirates News Agency, this marks a significant milestone in Khalifa Fund's journey, reflecting its commitment to supporting the objectives of the Falcon Economy, as well as the strategic growth priorities of Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE. It also consolidates the fund's role as a catalyst for startups, SMEs, and Emirati entrepreneurial ventures, recognising them as vital contributors to the national economy and key drivers of social and economic development.
The development of the financing ecosystem is based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted by KFED, guided by its institutional strategy and aligned with global best practices. The process included a benchmarking study of financing programmes, an analysis of the solutions available across the banking and financial sectors, and direct engagement of entrepreneurs and SMEs through surveys and workshops to identify financing gaps and challenges and assess market needs.
The aim was to design and deliver financing solutions that are better aligned with the priorities of Emirati enterprises, thereby ensuring that financing is directed towards genuine business needs while also enhancing their prospects for sustainable growth.
KFED's updated financing ecosystem is built around a set of key pathways aligned with Abu Dhabi's economic priorities, including providing loans that enable Emiratis to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, while promoting innovation and digital transformation, bridging financing gaps for startups, supporting the expansion of enterprises, enhancing cash flow flexibility, and tailoring financing solutions to meet the evolving needs of enterprises throughout their growth journey.
In addition, the updated ecosystem keeps pace with the economic and technological shifts impacting the business environment, connects financing with economic and social impact, and expands access to Khalifa Fund's support.
Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, stated that enhancing the financing ecosystem highlights the fund's determination to adapt to rapid transformations within the SME sector. The aim is to develop more flexible solutions and support national priorities, thereby strengthening the UAE economy, diversifying its resources, and ensuring readiness for the future.
She emphasized that the new programmes are based on a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial needs and requirements of enterprises throughout their growth stages. This strategic shift in financing methodology ensures solutions are linked to economic impact and sustainable development, channeling financing towards high-value opportunities and increasing the economic impact of funded enterprises.
The new programmes address three essential priorities: empowering new entrepreneurs, driving innovation and advanced technologies, and enhancing operational liquidity for businesses. As part of this ecosystem, the fund has launched specific loans, such as the First-time Founders Loan and the AI and Robotics Loan, to support enterprise growth and competitiveness.
Overall, through this integrated ecosystem, Khalifa Fund continues to reinforce its role as a key enabler of SME growth, providing efficient and flexible financing solutions that enhance entrepreneurs' ability to establish, develop, and expand their businesses. The move drives economic diversification, strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation, and underscores KFED's commitment to developing a sustainable financing ecosystem that aligns with the future economy's aspirations.