Amman:The National Fund for Enterprise Support (NAFES) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to launch a joint initiative aimed at supporting Jordanian small and medium-sized enterprises in the creative sectors.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project will focus on approximately 20 SMEs in industries with high growth potential, specifically targeting jewelry manufacturing, e-sports and gaming, and filmmaking. The selected businesses will participate in a two-phase development program. Initially, NAFES will evaluate each company's capacity for innovation and provide specialized technical consulting. Following this, qualified enterprises will receive direct funding from NAFES to help transform their ideas into tangible implementations.
The initiative emphasizes inclusive growth by prioritizing support for women-led and women-owned businesses, as well as those employing persons with disabilities. The agreement, signed by Higher Council for Science and Technology Secretary-General Mashhoor Refai and GIZ Project Lead Elisaveta Kostova, aligns with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision (2022-2033). This vision aims to foster sustainable growth, create job opportunities, and enhance competitiveness within the private sector.
Refai highlighted that the memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation with GIZ, fostering a supportive business environment that empowers SMEs to achieve sustainable success. Kostova noted the potential of Jordan's cultural and creative industries to drive export growth. Mo'ath Alaween, NAFES Executive Director, emphasized the importance of linking technical readiness with national funding to provide comprehensive support for emerging enterprises.