Amman: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Turkey's Viveka Strategic Innovation Consultancy have entered into an agreement to implement the "Jahez" Program, a crucial initiative under the National Entrepreneurship Policy (2021-2027). The agreement was signed on Saturday, marking a significant step toward fostering startup growth in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, the "Jahez" Program is designed to prepare Jordanian startups for investment and expansion by providing comprehensive support during the prototype development phase or as they gear up for commercial growth. This support includes training, mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry experts, alongside financial grants of up to $10,000 for eligible companies.
The Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Al-Smeirat, emphasized the program's alignment with the Economic Modernization Vision and the ministry's commitment to cultivating a nurturing environment for entrepreneurship. He highlighted that the program aims to create an integrated ecosystem that helps startups refine their products, devise effective business plans, and enhance their business readiness.
The program will be open to all entrepreneurs across the Kingdom, with a particular focus on encouraging participation from startups led by women and individuals with disabilities. This approach underscores the program's dedication to promoting inclusive economic growth. Al-Smeirat mentioned that the selection of participating companies will be based on criteria such as idea clarity, viability, and growth potential, with the stipulation that startups must be Jordanian.
Implementation of the program will involve collaboration with business incubators and accelerators, managed by Viveka, and will receive funding from the Youth, Technology, and Jobs Project, supported by the World Bank. This initiative is part of broader national and international efforts to bolster entrepreneurship in Jordan. The ministry announced that details regarding the registration date and eligibility criteria for the program will be released soon.