ahlibank Launches ahli tamkeen SME Academy to Accelerate SME Growth & Development

Muscat : In a significant step towards empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the Sultanate of Oman’s economy, ahlibank has announced the launch of ahli tamkeen SME Academy. The flagship program aims to advance capacity building across the SME sector by equipping business owners with the knowledge and practical skills required to navigate evolving market dynamics, strengthen business performance and unlock sustainable growth opportunities. Through ahli tamkeen SME Academy, ahlibank is furthering its commitment to building a more resilient and competitive SME ecosystem, while supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and its focus on fostering entrepreneurship, enabling SME development and advancing economic diversification.

The three-month program will feature a series of interactive workshops and coaching sessions, providing registered participants with a comprehensive understanding of key business processes, growth opportunities and strategies to navigate market fluctuations. The program is designed to equip SME owners with insights to enhance competitiveness, strengthen business resilience, and position their enterprises for sustained growth and profitability.

The program offers one-on-one sessions, providing participants with direct access to qualified business coaches, enabling them to address specific business challenges, define their goals and receive tailored guidance aligned with their individual business needs. Beyond building practical business capabilities, participating SMEs will be supported in developing actionable growth plans, strengthening operational resilience and fostering valuable connections with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. Through this integrated approach, ahli tamkeen SME Academy aims to provide SMEs with the guidance and networks needed to navigate their growth journey with greater confidence and clarity.

Commenting on the launch, Zaliya Al Balushi, General Manager – Head of Corporate Banking at ahlibank, remarked, “The growth and resilience of Oman’s SME sector are fundamental to building a diversified, competitive and sustainable economy. At ahlibank, our role extends beyond providing financial solutions to creating the conditions that enable businesses to thrive. ahli tamkeen SME Academy is a strategic extension of this commitment, strengthening the market readiness of SMEs while providing the tools needed to achieve sustainable growth. By investing in homegrown businesses and fostering a more competitive SME ecosystem, we are empowering SMEs to play a greater role in shaping the Sultanate’s economic future. As Partners in Excellence, ahlibank remains committed to being a catalyst for this progress and creating lasting value for the economy and society.”

More than a training program, ahli tamkeen SME Academy embodies ahlibank’s core value of responsibility, exemplifying its commitment to creating meaningful pathways for SMEs to contribute to Oman’s socio-economic development by fostering innovation, supporting job creation and enabling greater economic participation across the communities it serves. The initiative also reinforces the bank’s focus on excellence, translated in its efforts to build capabilities, enhance competitive edge and long-term business resilience. This commitment was recognized at the 2025 Euromoney Awards, where ahlibank was named ‘Best Bank for SMEs’.

Through ahli tamkeen SME Academy, ahlibank empowers entrepreneurs to turn ambition into action, build more agile enterprises, and confidently pursue emerging opportunities. As the bank continues to champion entrepreneurship and innovation, it remains committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can generate lasting value and contribute to a more dynamic and prosperous future for Oman.