With 2,500 enterprises targeted to benefit from the programme over the next 3 years, a number of solutions have been put in place to further improve quality standards of the services offered by Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Agency (EDSA) and ensure maximum convenience for business owners.
Applying to the programme has been much easier with the introduction of the online application system available through Enterprise Development Support portal (www.tamkeen.bh/edsa). The new system also allows applicants to track and follow up their applications with ease. Applicants will also receive SMS alerts during every stage of the process.
To cope with the increased workload, the Enterprise Development Support Agency staff will also increase three-fold to complement the dedicated call center number 80001008 inaugurated recently. Other measures include a paperless central archiving system, a unified application form for all the programmes, and other expedient measures.
“Improving the services we offer the private sector community is one of our top priorities,” Tamkeen’s Chief Executive, Mahmood Al-Kooheji, said.
“Customer feedback is an integral part of the periodic evaluation process we undertake for each programme to see how we can develop it and ensure it achieves its desired objectives with optimum efficiency.”
Since its inception, Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Programme has served over 1,500 business owners and contributed nearly BD8 million BD33.6 million has been allocated by Tamkeen to serve the 2,500 enterprises targeted in the programme’s current phase.
“We are honoured to be working hand in hand with Tamkeen to support the development of Bahraini enterprises. This is further evidence of the excellent partnership we have established with Tamkeen and a reinforcement of our position as Tamkeen’s trusted adviser. The enhancements to the Enterprise Development Support programme will generate significant support to put organizations on the fast track towards success thereby improving productivity of the private sector in Bahrain,” Jamal Fakhro, KPMG’s Managing Partner said.
Tamkeen signed an agreement with KPMG Fakhro in January of this year to continue serving as the Enterprise Development Support Agency for the programme.
Fatima Al Ansari, owner of Amna Patisserie, reflected on her successful 17 years business experience indicating that she has benefited from the “Tachania” programme to obtain equipment to increase the productivity of her catering supplies as well as the “Tarweej” programme which supports the participation of businesses in exhibitions.
She expressed her satisfaction with the Enterprise Development Support programme upgrades which she said will speed up application processes and make it easier for her as well as other business owners applying to the various schemes.
Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Programmes includes: the Business Development Scheme (Istishara) to assist in the strategic planning and determining vision and goals of the organisation, the Technical Assistance Scheme (Tachania) to provide support for the purchase of latest enterprise-related tools and equipment, the Quality Management Systems Scheme (Jawda) to assist in the design and application of world-class quality standards, the Growth Assistance Scheme (Tarweej) to support enterprises’ participation in local and international events and exhibitions, and the Marketing Assistance Scheme (Tasweeq) to provide support in the design and implementation of effective marketing and communications strategies.
Business owners interested in benefiting from the Enterprise Development Support programmes can visit Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Agency at Meral Building located in Seef area, or call 80001008 or email edsa@tamkeen.bh.