The Future Fund of Oman (FFO), an affiliate of the Oman Investment Authority, has unveiled a new SME lending portfolio designed to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. The initiative targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing them with faster, flexible, and accessible financing solutions to drive business growth.
Faster Access to Capital
One of the portfolio’s standout features is its efficiency in disbursing loans:
- SMEs can access financing in just two weeks.
- Repayment plans are flexible and tailored to operational needs.
- Loans are designed to cover essential working capital such as salaries, rent, and operating expenses.
By focusing on quick access and adaptability, the program aims to remove traditional barriers SMEs face when seeking financing.
Strategic Partnerships
FFO is working with leading institutions to ensure the program’s impact and scalability:
- Beehive: The region’s leading digital SME lending platform, which uses AI-powered evaluations to assess applications efficiently.
- Sohar International: Ensures compliance with fund standards and provides operational support.
This collaboration blends technology, financial expertise, and governance to create a reliable funding channel for Oman’s entrepreneurs.
Voices from the Leaders
Senior leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the new lending portfolio:
- Rashid bin Sultan al Hashmi, Senior Director of FFO: “This new lending window responds to entrepreneurs’ needs identified during our nationwide promotional tours. Applications showed strong demand for loans to cover working capital.”
- Peter Tavener, Co-Founder & CFO of Beehive: “This partnership is a significant milestone for Beehive. It reinforces our model and enables us to meet the rising demand for SME financing in Oman.”
Building on FFO’s Track Record
Since its establishment in 2024, the Future Fund of Oman has already made a substantial mark:
- 45 projects funded, valued at $3.248 billion.
- $2.223 billion committed to foreign direct investment.
- Over 1,600 jobs created.
- Investments spread across 10 key sectors, fueling economic diversification.
The SME lending portfolio builds on this momentum, ensuring that local businesses become key drivers of economic growth alongside large-scale investments.
Strengthening Oman’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The initiative reflects Oman’s commitment to fostering a more resilient and diversified economy. By supporting SMEs with quick, tailored financing, the Future Fund is:
- Expanding financial inclusion.
- Supporting job creation and innovation.
- Encouraging sustainable business practices.
As the ecosystem grows, SMEs will be better positioned to contribute to Oman’s long-term vision of economic diversification and competitiveness.