National Fund strengthens support for startups

KUWAIT — The National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by joining the national "Sa’a" initiative, positioning itself as the first government entity to participate in the platform that highlights impactful projects and Kuwaiti success stories. The Fund announced its involvement in a press statement dated April 14, 2026, saying the move underscores its effort to strengthen communication with the community and bolster the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem amid ongoing sector challenges.

"Participation in the initiative stems from a sense of national responsibility and an ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, particularly in light of current challenges facing the sector," Public Relations Officer Dalal Hussein said in the statement, outlining the rationale for the Fund’s engagement with Sa’a.

Program details and services

In its statement, the Fund emphasized that participation in Sa’a is intended to deepen its institutional presence and create broader opportunities for national projects to showcase achievements. The Fund highlighted several core services it provides to Kuwaiti entrepreneurs, aimed at enhancing market access, competitiveness and resilience.

• Registration in the National Register of Small and Medium Enterprises — an official platform that grants entrepreneurs access to benefits including preferential pricing in government tenders and procurement priority in accordance with approved regulations.
• Facilitation of access to classifications by the Central Agency for Public Tenders, helping firms meet procurement and tender requirements.
• Platforms for showcasing products and services specifically for SMEs, designed to open wider prospects for growth and sustainability.
• Continuity of electronic services to ensure uninterrupted access to support and resources for business owners.

The Fund cited examples of projects featured by the initiative that have benefited from its support, including Beit Nasser and Baby Tummy — the latter described as a venture that prepares fresh and healthy meals for children and as a notable example of innovation and responsiveness to market needs. The Fund said such ventures receive empowerment, institutional backing and promotional support to strengthen market presence and pursue long-term sustainability.

Dalal Hussein also outlined the Fund’s operational priorities, saying it will continue to monitor entrepreneurs’ needs, identify challenges and develop practical solutions that enable businesses to grow and adapt. The Fund stressed its focus on providing "a more flexible and responsive environment for entrepreneurs" and maintaining digital channels for service delivery to keep assistance accessible even during difficult conditions.

Looking ahead, the Fund reaffirmed its intention to expand partnerships and initiatives that serve the SME sector, contributing to a culture of entrepreneurship and helping young Kuwaiti talents translate ideas into sustainable enterprises. The statement concluded by noting the Fund’s continued role as an institutional partner for entrepreneurs and its alignment with the state’s broader support for entrepreneurship. — KUNA