Access to the right financing, stronger markets and an enabling business environment can help entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into sustainable and competitive enterprises. Two workshops held in the framework of the Fourth Arab SMEs Summit explored practical ways to unlock growth, with a focus on financing opportunities and the expanding potential of the creative and cultural economy.
The first workshop, “Exploring funding opportunities and selecting the right solutions for SME growth”, examined how financing needs evolve as businesses move from an idea to launch, growth and scale-up. Participants explored a broad range of options, from grants, loans and guarantees to crowdfunding, investment and other non-bank instruments, and discussed how entrepreneurs can identify the solutions best suited to their business stage and circumstances.
With startups in the region having raised $7.5 billion in 2025, including debt financing, discussions emphasized the importance of looking beyond a single source of capital. Particular attention was given to businesses operating in recovery and transition contexts, where traditional financing channels may be limited and mechanisms such as blended finance, microfinance, guarantees and development finance can offer alternative pathways. Participants also explored how to approach funders and investors, prepare a strong funding request and avoid common mistakes.
The second workshop, “Driving growth in the creative and cultural economy”, focused on turning the Arab region’s cultural heritage and creative talent into economic opportunities. Creative and cultural industries contribute more than 3.1% of global GDP and 6.2% of employment, offering significant potential for entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.
Participants discussed how stronger policies, financing and collaboration can help creative enterprises overcome challenges related to market access, skills, modernization, branding and intellectual property protection. They also examined how digital skills, artificial intelligence, talent development and innovative financing approaches can strengthen competitiveness and enable creative SMEs to reach new markets.
Together, the workshops underscored the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with the financing, knowledge, technologies and market connections needed to move from potential to sustainable growth.
