Alizz Islamic Bank and Sharakah have expanded the second edition of the Alizz Business SME Development Program, aiming to support 315 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Oman as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The renewed partnership will empower an additional 15 high-potential SMEs this year through an intensive development program, while extending structured capacity-building opportunities to 300 SMEs across the Sultanate.
Building on last year’s Alizz Business SME Development Program, the initiative expands its reach to more businesses nationwide and reinforces the two organizations’ commitment to supporting SME development and growth. Launched under the bank’s flagship SME value proposition, ‘Alizz Business’, the program is designed to accelerate sustainable growth, enhance competitiveness and equip Omani entrepreneurs with tools to navigate a rapidly evolving market environment.
The second edition will continue to focus on two core pillars: consultancy and capacity building. Over a 12-month period, the selected 15 SMEs will receive tailored consultancy services, including comprehensive 360-degree business assessments, development of long-term strategic roadmaps, governance advisory and leadership coaching.
In parallel, the wider group of 300 SMEs will gain access to structured educational workshops and training sessions across the Sultanate aimed at strengthening key business competencies such as financial management, marketing strategy, digital transformation, operational efficiency and sustainable growth planning. Industry experts and mentors will provide practical insights aligned with current market trends and best practices.
The program seeks to deliver measurable impact by enhancing operational resilience, improving strategic clarity and expanding market opportunities for Omani SMEs. By equipping businesses with practical frameworks, policies and growth tools, the initiative aims to foster innovation, support job creation and contribute to Oman’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Ali bin Ahmed Muqaibal CEO – Sharakah
“This second edition reflects the tangible impact achieved through our initial collaboration. By expanding the number of beneficiaries and deepening the program’s scope, we are further empowering Omani entrepreneurs with the expertise, structure and confidence required to scale their businesses sustainably.”
Ali Al Mani, CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank, commented that, “At Alizz Islamic Bank, we firmly believe SMEs are the backbone of economic progress. Through ‘Alizz Business’, we go beyond providing Shari’a-compliant financial solutions by actively investing in the development of our SME community. This renewed partnership with Sharakah reinforces our long-term commitment to building a resilient and sustainable SME ecosystem in Oman.”
‘Alizz Business’ offers a suite of Shari’a-compliant financial products and services tailored to SMEs, including flexible financing solutions for expansion and working capital, alongside digital banking capabilities designed to support operational efficiency.