The Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation has received 32 applications from SMEs to benefit from the “Tamkeen” program since its launch at the beginning of last July 2024.

The program targets SMEs in different sectors, including industrial, service, agricultural, tourism, and creative industries, from all governorates. However, the program excludes the tobacco, alcoholic beverages, cement, and mining industries.

The program aims at providing support to at least 30 projects during the current year as financial grants, with a maximum amount of JOD 50,000. JEDCO's contribution can reach up to 70% of the total costs of the implemented project. The program's goal is to empower emerging, SMEs in the private sector to build a conducive environment to the adoption of smart technologies and the transition to a green economy, thereby enabling their products and services to compete both locally and globally.

The call for application process remains open for SMEs to benefit from the program's services until the end of November. The program also aims to enhance the SMEs competitiveness, develop a supportive environment for them, and strengthen content, assets, and infrastructure to facilitate ease of doing business.

It also supports research, development, and innovation, encourages the use of creative industries, and aims at empowering capabilities and build skills and competencies in the workforce, enabling them to compete globally.

JEDCO has allocated JOD 1.5 million from the general budget for the current year to implement the program and provide support to SMEs. Up to 80% of the grant amount can be disbursed as an initial payment upon signing the agreement. JEDCO may also split the payments into more than two installments based on the project's action plan and the guarantees provided according to the JEDCO’s instructions.

The program covers the costs of installing smart systems such as augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. It also includes obtaining specific mechanisms and equipment to enable enterprises to develop their products and services. The program supports the enhancement of technical, administrative, and marketing content, software, and electronic systems, as well as infrastructure development within the enterprise. It provides acquiring international quality or export certifications, implementing energy and water conservation systems, installing renewable energy systems, and using modern techniques for managing environmental waste and recycling.

JEDCO has put several conditions and standards for benefiting from the program's grants. These conditions include that the project must be registered within an official entity in Jordan, employ at least 5 staff members, had the necessary licenses from relevant government authorities, and be privately owned with a minimum of 75% ownership.

Additional conditions include that the project must be profit-oriented and has the financial capacity to cover its contribution to the Empowerment Plan (such as a budget, asset statement, bank statement, or proof of income like revenue contracts).

The requested funding from JEDCO should not exceed 70% of the total project costs as specified in the application form and project budget attachment. Additionally, the project must close any previous grant or financial support obtained from JEDCO.