In his opening remarks, Isa Murad, Director of the SME and Complaints Department at Bahrain Chamber, highlighted the vital role of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as a cornerstone of the national economy. He noted that these enterprises account for the majority of commercial registrations and businesses operating in Bahrain, while playing a key role in job creation, economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Murad explained that the SME and Complaints Department plays a key role in monitoring the needs and challenges of business owners, communicating their views to the relevant authorities, and contributing to the development of initiatives and policies that support the growth and sustainability of these enterprises.
He emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to supporting private sector enterprises and safeguarding their interests, particularly amid challenges that require coordinated efforts among relevant stakeholders. He added that the workshop reflects the Chamber’s efforts to familiarize business owners with national initiatives and programmes designed to support business stability and continuity, particularly the “Musanada” Programme, which provides financial and operational support to affected enterprises, helping them overcome challenges, retain employees and sustain their activities.
The workshop also featured a presentation by Bahrain Chamber on its role in supporting SMEs, including an overview of the objectives and responsibilities of the SME and Complaints Department. The department was established as part of the Chamber’s organizational structure in line with the priorities of its 31st Board of Directors and its commitment to strengthening support for SMEs, which represent the majority of private sector enterprises in Bahrain and are a key driver of economic growth.
The presentation highlighted the department’s role as a dedicated institutional platform for receiving business inquiries and following up on complaints and observations with government authorities. It also outlined mechanisms for addressing these matters through clear and efficient procedures aimed at improving responsiveness to private sector challenges and developing appropriate solutions.
The Chamber further highlighted the department’s network of designated liaison officers across various government ministries and entities, which facilitates direct communication and accelerates the resolution of obstacles facing businesses, while strengthening coordination between the Chamber and government authorities.
The Chamber also confirmed that the department will adopt a structured, field-based approach through regular visits to commercial markets and business locations, in addition to ongoing coordination with sectoral committees. This will enable the Chamber to identify challenges and needs directly and develop practical initiatives and solutions that respond to the requirements of different economic sectors and support their growth and sustainability.
For his part, Ahmed Janahi, Director of the Public Affairs Department at Tamkeen, delivered a detailed presentation on the “Musanada” Programme. He explained that the programme aims to support the stability and recovery of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the Iranian aggression by providing a package of financial and operational solutions to ensure business continuity and preserve jobs.
Janahi explained that the programme includes three main support tracks. These include financial grants for affected enterprises based on the extent of damage and actual repair costs, as well as grants covering operating expenses for up to three months, depending on the size of the enterprise, to help retain employees. The programme also provides support covering up to 100% of financing profits on working-capital loans, with a grace period of up to 12 months and a repayment period of up to three years through the SME Fund.
He added that the second and third tracks target several vital economic sectors, including transport and logistics, manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical activities, administrative and support services, tourism, accommodation and food services, as well as motor vehicle and motorcycle trade and repair activities. Applications for the programme remain open for three months, subject to the specified eligibility criteria.
