JEDCO launches 5 programmes to support startups, SMEs

AMMAN — Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation’s (JEDCO) CEO, Abdul Fattah Al Kayed, said that in accordance with the implementation of the government’s Economic Modernisation Vision and JEDCO’s strategic plan, JEDCO’s Board of Directors has launched five programmes granting technical and financial support to startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the beginning of this year, at an estimated total of JD10 million.

The launching of these programmes aims to revitalise the national economy, increase employment opportunities for locals and achieve the targeted goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision, according to a statement from JEDCO.

He also indicated that the programmes include the Industry Modernisation Programme, which stems from the Industry Development Fund, managed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply. The financial support for each industrial enterprise may reach JD100,000 if the enterprise in question meets and fulfils all necessary criteria for the programme.

The company’s “Thimar” initiative is another “promising programme”, in which a grant of 22,000 euros in financial support will be dedicated to innovative and entrepreneurial food processing and agricultural projects.

The "Start Your Business 2023" programme provides a JD25,000 grant to young entrepreneurs to implement their projects from the “idea” stage to become a sustainable, entrepreneurial economic project.

The "Raise your capabilities” programme aims to develop and enhance the capabilities of existing SMEs in terms of production, administration or marketing operations, with a maximum grant of JD15,000.

Furthermore, the programme provides a 50 percent grant for the shipping charges of agricultural and industrial merchandise of Jordanian origin that is exported to different countries.

Kayed stressed that all applications will be received electronically, and the criteria and requirements for each programme can be found on JEDCO’s website.