84 applications received for grants under enhancing SMEs programme

AMMAN — The Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) on Sunday received applications for its “Enhancing Services SMEs for Export” programme to upgrade the administrative capabilities of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a statement from the corporation.

JEDCO’s CEO Bashar Al Zoubi announced that JEDCO has received 84 applications, a number which has so far “exceeded the expectations”, noting that this “reflects the desire of the service sector to develop, grow and enter new markets”.

Zoubi pointed out that the period for receiving applications was extended to March 8 to give SMEs working in the hospitality, consulting, engineering and other service sectors from all governorates extra time to apply, the statement said.

He stressed that the programme is a “leading governmental project” to support service SMEs’ exports, focusing on high value-added service, as it will provide financial and technical support to 40 SMEs out of the 84 applicants for the purpose of upgrading their administrative capacities to develop their services and facilitate their exports to international markets.

The programme will offer financial and technical grants for building capacities to enhance exporting. The value of each grant will not exceed JD25,000, 40 per cent of which will support administrative capabilities, while the maximum contribution to each SME will reach 50 per cent of its total budget, noted the statement.

JEDCO is the national umbrella for economic enterprise development in Jordan, inclusive of start-ups and entrepreneurship.  JEDCO supports the development of these enterprises and strengthens their competitiveness, in addition to facilitating access to financing. The corporation also seeks to promote policies that create a more suitable environment for enterprise growth, read the statement.