Big news for Saudi startups, shoppers: Fee refunds, National Day deals announced

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In a significant move to strengthen the kingdom’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) has launched the second edition of the “Estrdad” initiative, pledging SAR1.5bn in government fee refunds to support startups during their formative first three years.

The initiative is designed to stimulate a thriving business environment, bolster the sustainability and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and aligns closely with the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of building a diverse and prosperous national economy. It reflects the kingdom’s wise leadership commitment to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for SMEs, which are seen as vital engines for economic growth and job creation, a Saudi Press Agency report.

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Starting from the launch date and running through 2026, SMEs can register for the program, with financial disbursements beginning as soon as they qualify and continuing until the end of 2028. This phased approach aims to provide ongoing financial stability and enable startups to focus on scaling their operations.

The initiative refunds fees across 10 key categories, including a substantial 80 per cent of expatriate fees, costs related to publishing articles of association, commercial registrations, municipality licenses, subscriptions to Saudi Post and chambers of commerce, trademark registration, and economic activity licenses. This edition also introduces patent registration refunds, encouraging innovation and invention among national enterprises.

To qualify, applicants must be classified as micro, small, or medium enterprises, have been in business for no longer than three years, and must have officially started operations on or after January 1, 2024. The registration of the first employee marks the business start date. Companies must comply with localisation requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and ownership must be predominantly Saudi, with at least 60 per cent ownership held by Saudi individuals or SMEs. Exceptions apply only to specific activities outlined on the initiative’s website: Estrdad.monshaat.gov.sa.

The initiative is fully digitised, offering a streamlined experience for verifying eligibility and processing refunds efficiently. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation goals and its commitment to enhancing government services to better support entrepreneurship.

Ministry of Commerce opens doors for National Day discount licenses

Complementing this economic push, the Ministry of Commerce has announced that applications are now open for the 95th National Day seasonal discount licenses, targeting retail establishments and e-commerce businesses. Through a fully electronic system accessible at https://sales.mc.gov.sa/, merchants can easily apply, obtain, and display their licenses, preparing for the upcoming discount period from September 16 to 30.

This seasonal discount initiative offers businesses a unique opportunity to attract consumers with special promotions, without affecting their annual discount quota. Shoppers are empowered to verify the authenticity of these discounts by scanning a unified QR code printed on each license, providing transparent details about the discount type, percentage, duration, and participating store.

Ensuring a fair marketplace, the Ministry of Commerce confirmed that inspection campaigns will continue across all regions of the Kingdom during this period to monitor compliance with discount regulations, both in physical stores and online platforms.

Driving growth and confidence: Saudi Arabia’s dual approach

Together, these initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to fuel economic growth by simultaneously supporting SMEs and enhancing consumer confidence during major shopping events. The Estrdad initiative directly addresses financial barriers for startups, while the National Day discount program encourages vibrant retail activity, stimulating both supply and demand in the economy.

A spokesperson from Monsha’at emphasised, “The Estrdad initiative is designed to provide tangible support to emerging enterprises, reflecting the wise leadership’s vision of a diversified economy under Saudi Vision 2030.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Ministry of Commerce stated, “Our goal is to facilitate a seamless shopping experience during the National Day celebrations while ensuring transparency and compliance through robust regulatory oversight.”

Together, these measures illustrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to economic diversification, innovation, and a marketplace where entrepreneurs and consumers thrive side by side.