Officials said the initiative is aimed at Emirati business owners between the ages of 21 and 60.
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is taking part in the first edition of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival, where it launched a new initiative aimed at giving business owners faster access to funding.
The event, held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center from April 20 to 22, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders under the theme “Your Impact. Our Economy’s Pulse.”
On-the-spot funding support
As part of its participation, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development introduced the “Funding on the Spot” initiative, allowing entrepreneurs to receive immediate financing assessments during the event.
The service also includes on-site advisory support, helping applicants review eligibility, prepare required documents, and complete application steps.
Officials said the initiative is designed for Emirati business owners aged 21 to 60, particularly those looking to grow or expand their businesses in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, tourism, and industry.
Supporting young entrepreneurs
The festival also featured the launch of the “Young Emirati Traders” competition, held under the patronage of Rawdha bint Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The initiative targets young people aged 6 to 18 and aims to introduce them to business skills through hands-on learning.
It also focuses on raising awareness in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and financial literacy.
Panel discussions and workshops
Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, took part in a panel session focused on building Abu Dhabi as a global hub for entrepreneurs.
He highlighted the importance of strong policies, access to funding, and support systems in helping start-ups grow.
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is also hosting workshops during the festival, covering topics such as starting a business, pricing strategies, and understanding customer needs.
Officials said these sessions are designed to support both new and growing businesses with practical knowledge.
New partnership signed
KFED also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council to strengthen support for young entrepreneurs.
The agreement aims to improve access to funding, connect businesses with investors, and expand opportunities in both local and international markets.
Growing impact
Officials said Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has supported more than 1,200 projects so far, with total funding exceeding Dh1.8 billion.
They added that these efforts play an important role in supporting small and medium enterprises and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for entrepreneurship.
The Fund said it will continue introducing initiatives that help entrepreneurs grow and contribute to the wider economy.
