The Social Development Bank (SDB), Saudi Arabia has launched the ‘FranchiseGo’ Forum in Riyadh, bringing together senior bank officials, partner entities, entrepreneurs, and local and international franchising experts.
The FranchiseGo forum aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s franchising sector, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
The event opened with high-level panel discussions on the future of franchising and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Prominent brand owners shared success stories, offering practical insights to aspiring entrepreneurs.
As part of the event, the bank signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Al-Kharj Chamber, Al-Zulfi Chamber, Dan Company, and NEO LEAP. These agreements focus on enhancing support for micro and small enterprises, promoting digital transformation, and providing innovative financial and training solutions.
The FranchiseGo forum also featured an interactive exhibition, enabling direct engagement between attendees and franchisors. Visitors explored leading franchise models and participated in training workshops and advisory sessions conducted by the Dulani Business Centre and SDB experts.
These sessions aim to help entrepreneurs develop effective operational and marketing plans, offering structured models and access to financing.
Muied bin Nasser Al-Bishi Vice President – Strategy and Innovation Sector Social Development Bank
“The ‘FranchiseGo’ Forum serves as a strategic platform for expanding economic empowerment opportunities. It is not just an event but a practical gateway for entrepreneurs to connect directly with brand owners, learn from successful experiences, and explore proven business models that enhance prospects for growth and sustainability. Today, the franchising sector is a vital economic driver in the Kingdom, valued at over $14.1 billion (SAR 53 billion), with an annual growth rate of 27 percent in the number of franchise brands. It is a key engine in diversifying the national economy and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
In 2021, SDB launched a dedicated franchising finance track, providing funding up to $1.06 million (SAR 4 million) with repayment terms extending up to eight years, along with simplified guarantees. The bank also offers a suite of non-financial services such as consultations, training, and qualification programs through the Dulani Business Center.
The FranchiseGo exhibition continues through Thursday, reinforcing SDB’s role as a key enabler in the franchising ecosystem, driving job creation, regional development, and expansion of national brands regionally and globally.
