Acting Director General of the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hiba Al-Rifai, revealed in a Sunday interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the Fund currently supports 1,040 active projects across key economic sectors:

• Commercial Sector: 40%

• Service Sector: 40%

• Industrial Sector: 14%

• Artisanal Sector: 4%

• Agricultural Sector: 2%

Strategic Portfolio Diversification
Al-Rifai emphasized these projects form a vital part of Kuwait's entrepreneurship ecosystem, with focused technical and administrative support to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. The Fund has actively diversified its financing portfolio to meet local market needs and is currently reviewing its policies to optimize developmental impact.

Institutional Collaboration
The Fund maintains strategic partnerships with:

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry

• Ministry of Finance

• Public Authority for Industry

• Central Tenders Committee

• Customs General Administration
  ...and other entities to streamline procedures and create an enabling SME environment.

"Mubader Plus" Program Launch
A newly launched four-month capacity-building initiative featuring:
✓ Specialized workshops (strategic content development, marketing, legal/compliance frameworks)
✓ Market analysis training
✓ One-on-one mentoring with expert consultants

Loan Mechanism Reform
The Fund's Board recently approved revised repayment terms:

• Extended repayment period up to 15 years

• Grace period exemptions

• Installment deferrals within repayment timeframe
  These changes aim to enhance project sustainability and support Kuwaiti youth entrepreneurs.

Vision Statement
"Mubader Plus reflects our conviction that economic advancement requires empowering entrepreneurs through integrated support ecosystems," stated Al-Rifai. "True investment lies not just in financing, but in building analytical capabilities and strategic thinking to convert ambitions into sustainable ventures."

The program aligns with Kuwait's digital transformation goals and knowledge-based economy vision, demonstrating the Fund's commitment to creating competitive national enterprises led by qualified Kuwaiti innovators.