Dubai Chamber launches CSR programme to aid SMEs in the emirate

SMEs will be paired with large companies who will offer professional advice and resources tailored to its specific needs

by Varun Godinho

June 24, 2020

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched its Business Mentoring and Support (BMS) Programme – a CSR initiative to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Dubai cope with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

As part of the programme, SMEs in Dubai are paired with large companies who will offer professional advice and resources tailored to needs of that SME to help it strengthen its business skills and competencies, said official news agency WAM.

“Given the unprecedented challenges faced by SMEs in the current business landscape, it was a natural move for Dubai Chamber to create a programme providing these enterprises with valuable support and resources in the key challenge areas, in a way that not only addresses immediate needs but also helps them develop and grow into thriving businesses,” said Dr. Belaid Rettab, senior director of Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber.

The programme also aims to create a business support ecosystem to strengthen links between large companies and SMEs in Dubai by offering participants recognition, training, CSR support, mentorship and business partnership opportunities, added Rettab.

The Centre for Responsible Business will deliver awareness programmes on the dual benefits of mentoring and support to increase the pool of mentors and supporters from large organisations and attract participation from SMEs in Dubai.

It will also provide participants with access to training, and guidelines on mentoring and support.

As part of this programme, Coca-Cola Company will donate 250,000 face masks and $240,000 worth of products to 3,000 restaurants and small stores across the UAE, and will advise the retailers with in-store safety communications and social awareness campaigns designed to encourage customers to support local stores.

Other entities in the UAE have also rolled out programmes to support SMEs.

Last month, the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) unveiled a new economic stimulus package with saving of up to 36 per cent for businesses operating within the freezone and for SMEs coping with Covid-19 pandemic.

Read: Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi announces stimulus package for SMEs

UAE telecom operator du too launched a new digital platform new platform, e-Shop, to enable SME corporates to conduct simple, secure, and trusted business transactions, allowing them to make purchases for their businesses and employees.

More recently, Dubai-headquartered Emirates Islamic, part of the Emirates NBD Group, said that it would offer its Business Banking debit cards free of charge to eligible SME clients enabling them to seek access to cash that will support their ongoing cash flow requirements.

UAE-headquartered business search engine Hubb also announced its global launch last week as SMEs worldwide look for more sustainable business solutions.

Read: UAE-headquartered business search engine Hubb launches globally