Here’s how UAE SMEs can benefit from this $1m advertising support scheme

Several small businesses in the UAE – similar to their peers across the world – have been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis. As they struggle to manage resources, many have found themselves unable to allocate budgets towards marketing and advertising. However, it is imperative for companies – especially SMEs – to remain visible and market themselves during this period.

In a bid to support such SMEs, Gulf Business – as part of Motivate Media Group’s $1m initiative – will offer homegrown UAE small businesses with free advertising and marketing.

As one of the oldest and most respected business titles in the region with a monthly magazine and a premier news website, Gulf Business offers SMEs the perfect platform across mediums to reach out and be seen in the business community.

SMEs can nominate themselves for consideration on this page: motivatemedia.com/smerevival

The initiative, which has received approval from the Dubai government’s Department of Economic Development (DED), will offer 20 SMEs upto $50,000 free advertising space each across Motivate’s brands including Gulf Business, What’s On, Emirates Woman and Identity.

Motivate will appoint an expert panel who will evaluate the applications and select a shortlist – not just on the basis of businesses who have a plan to survive the pandemic – but on their proposal to continue to grow and contribute to the UAE even post the pandemic.

In addition to the advertising support, these SMEs will also receive support in conceptualising digital marketing and promotional plans, helping them to target relevant audiences, and ensure that their campaigns meet their expected targets.

As part of the initiative, Motivate also pledged $275,000 by way of in-kind services to support tech startups and SMEs in partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).

Startups selected by Sheraa will receive similar in-kind support by way of advertising and marketing support from Motivate.

Read: Motivate Media Group and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center launch Dhs1m fund for tech startups

“We are celebrating the UAE’s success by helping others achieve their business goals. This is an incredibly hard time for all businesses, especially SMEs, and we have one of the largest media portfolios to help businesses across the UAE,” said Ian Fairservice, managing partner of Motivate Media Group.