Bank Muscat supports Junior World Entrepreneurship Forum

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its vision ‘To serve you better, everyday’ and commitment to strengthen the small and medium enterprises (SMES) segment, extended support to the Junior World Entrepreneurship Forum held on the theme ‘Together for a brighter economic future’. Shaikh Khalid bin Omar al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, was the guest of honour at the conference organised by Assayel Conferences at Oman Medical College. In recognition of the support extended to the event, Ahmed Noor al Balushi, Regional Manager - Capital East Branches, received a memento on behalf of the bank.

The Junior World Entrepreneurship Forum based in France was established six years ago to promote small enterprises worldwide. The forum supports youth seeking self-employment opportunities and embarking on an entrepreneurship journey.

The bank’s al Wathbah SME department offers a comprehensive suite of tailormade finance solutions and non-financial services targeted at small and medium enterprises. Credit facilities, both short-term and long-term in nature, are available to all sectors. Further support is extended through non-financial services in areas of education, coaching, networking opportunities and workshops.

The unique al Wathbah Academy programme reflects the bank’s commitment to sustainable development. al Wathbah Academy programmes across Oman impart the required skills and guidance for entrepreneurs drawn from diverse fields to embark on successful SME business ventures. The programme leads to accredited international certification by Project Management Institute (PMI).

The al Wathbah Academy was launched by the bank in 2014 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to equip youth with self-employment skills. A total of 72 entrepreneurs have graduated from the SME Academy till date and are successfully following their business dreams, contributing to the country’s progress and development. Notably, the SME training programme is benefiting entrepreneurs across the governorates to acquire the required skill set and knowledge to chart successful business ventures.