Tamkeen revamped programme to support businesses begins receiving applications

Tamkeen announced that it has resumed receiving applications to benefit from its newly revamped and improved business support programme during a press conference held at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), yesterday. The relaunch of the Enterprise Development Support Programme falls in line with the second phase of Tamkeen’s 2018- 2020 strategy. The enhancements represent the initial step in Tamkeen’s plan to improve its flagship Enterprise Support Programme, which includes the Business Development and Training and Wage Support programmes.

Speaking to Tribune, Qusay Al Arayedh, Chief Operations Officer at Tamkeen expressed the significance of utilising contemporary technology to enhance the economy and customer experience. “The most important thing for us as a public sector is that we aim to be the best service provider and if we have that target in mind we have to use technology that is current. It is essential that we provide our customers with better service and there is nothing better than technology to do so,” said Mr Arayedh.

 “This is a way of helping companies manage the new economic realities. To convey the message that as the economy changes there are things companies can do that will ultimately help create a stronger economy and companies,” added Dr Jarmo T Kotilaine Advisor- Chief Executive Office at Tamkeen.

Among the enhancements made to the program are several innovative support tracks. These include support grants for enterprises with virtual commercial registrations. The program’s online portal includes more advanced solutions, such as allowing for the activation of the users’ accounts electronically without the need to visit any of Tamkeen’s physical branches, as well as linking to the systems of partners including certain government entities to ensure information accuracy and streamline internal procedures. In light of cybersecurity, Mr Arayedh revealed the incorporation of a two-fold security programme with regard to the exchange of sensitive information.

“First we have the firewalls to ensure our electronic services are protected. The second part is with regard to the sensitive information provided by the customer; there are confidentiality agreements between us and our customers,” stated Mr Arayedh.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, Chief Executive of Tamkeen said: “The programme now boasts many added features to better address the varying characteristics and needs of enterprises from one of their developmental stage to the next. These efforts are aligned with the restructuring our internal team underwent to offer the right kind of support for each individual enterprise.”

Earlier this year, Tamkeen had temporarily suspended the Enterprise Support Programme to add more solutions and features and further refine its support offerings as part of its drive to support the growth and development of enterprises in Bahrain.