SME Fund
Are you a Bahraini entrepreneur? The SME Fund helps promising businesses like yours innovate and prosper.
What is the SME Fund?
The SME Fund is a national initiative under the #TeamBahrain umbrella, aiming to expand access to finance for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across key sectors. By pooling resources from national partners, the Fund empowers enterprises to secure the financing they need to scale their operations locally and internationally.
The Fund was established in partnership between Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and Al Salam Bank, with support from Tamkeen. Aligned with the Kingdom’s broader economic and sustainability goals, the initiative contributes to increasing employment opportunities, driving export growth, and strengthening SME participation in Bahrain’s economy.
What We Offer
The SME Fund provides Sharia’a-compliant financing with flexible repayment terms of up to five years. To support every stage of your business journey, we offer a suite of financing options including fixed asset loans and working capital. The Fund focuses on the following strategic sectors:
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- IT & Digital Economy
- Finance
- Health
- Education
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must:
- SMEs
- Hold an active Commercial Registration (CR)
- Be operational for at least two years.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents*
- Audited financial statements for the past three years (latest not older than 18 months).
- Latest management accounts (not older than two months).
- Bank statements for the last six months.
*Please note that the required documents may differ depending on the type and nature of each application.
How to Apply
Applications open on 10th November 2025 and can be submitted at BDB’s main branch. SMEs can call or WhatsApp at 17511000. SME owners may also visit our activation pop-ups at the following locations and dates:
- Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI): 10-11 November from 8:30am – 5pm
- Marassi Galleria: 13-15 November from 10am – 10pm
- Riyadat Mall: 17-18 November from from 8:30am – 5pm
To learn more, please leave your contact details below, and a BDB Relationship Manager will reach out to guide you through the process.
Support by Tamkeen
A strategic partner, Tamkeen provides SME Fund beneficiaries with a profit subsidy of up to 50%*, helping them access financing on more favourable terms and reinvest their profits into innovation. The Labour Fund’s involvement is part of its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and empower the private sector as a key driver of Bahrain’s economic prosperity.
*T&C Apply
Your next step to expand starts here!
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