Khalifa Fund Expands Financing Support for Startups and SMEs

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has enhanced its financing ecosystem with seven financing programs for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expanding support for businesses at different stages of growth.

The updated financing ecosystem includes the First-time Founders Loan, AI & Robotics Loan, Revolving Loan, Small Loan, Working Capital Loan, Fixed Assets Loan, and Expansion Loan.

The programs aim to support enterprises from inception and expansion to innovation and technology-driven advancement, allowing entrepreneurs to select financing solutions based on their business requirements. They are also designed to better align financing with the priorities of Emirati enterprises and support the objectives of the Falcon Economy.

“Enhancing our financing ecosystem represents a major shift in Khalifa Fund’s financing strategy. It underscores our determination to keep pace with the rapid transformations within the SME sector, develop more flexible and impactful solutions, and actively support national priorities. Our goal is to strengthen the UAE economy, diversify its resources, and ensure its readiness for the future,” Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, said.

“More than expanding the options available, this strategic move represents a shift in our financing methodology, ensuring solutions are more closely linked to economic impact and sustainable development,” she added. “Through this integrated ecosystem, we seek to channel financing towards high-value opportunities, increase the economic impact of funded enterprises, and further strengthen the role of SMEs in promoting economic diversification and long-term competitiveness.”

The First-time Founders Loan is intended for Emiratis starting new businesses, while the AI & Robotics Loan supports the adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics technologies by SMEs. Meanwhile, the Revolving Loan provides businesses with a reusable financing facility to help manage working capital and cash flow.

The financing ecosystem also includes the Small Loan, Working Capital Loan, Fixed Assets Loan, and Expansion Loan, which support operational expenses, capital investments, and business expansion. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, financing limits, and repayment terms based on the enterprise’s stage of growth.

According to KFED, the revised financing ecosystem was developed following a review of its existing programs, benchmarking against international financing models, analysis of financing available in the banking sector, and direct engagements with entrepreneurs and SMEs through surveys and workshops to identify financing gaps and market needs.

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