The city of Monastir in Tunisia is currently hosting the second stop of the national roadshow for promoting financing for innovative enterprises, which kicked off in the state of Kef and will continue in Qafsa and Jerjis. This initiative aims to bring financing and accompaniment mechanisms closer to project owners and institutions across different regions. The goal is to introduce available programs and mechanisms to support innovative initiatives, helping them develop their activities and access markets.
Participants at the workshop emphasized that supporting entrepreneurship and innovation is a strategic choice for developing the economic fabric and enhancing the ability of institutions to grow and create sustainable job opportunities, especially for young people. They also stressed the importance of providing direct spaces for dialogue between project owners, financial and investment structures, and working to overcome the difficulties and procedures that may face emerging and innovative institutions.
The workshop's opening session featured interventions by the Director-General of the Deposit and Consignment Fund, Nadjia Al-Gharbi, and Salman Ali Bahi, representative of the World Bank, alongside representatives of the "Smart Capital" management company and several investment fund representatives. The workshop presented the "iSME's" project, which has $75 million in international financing from the World Bank, aiming to enhance the financing system for emerging and small and medium-sized innovative institutions and support their growth, expansion, and market access.
The workshop also focused on introducing various available financing and accompaniment mechanisms, particularly the advantages of the "Startup Tunisia" program, the "ANAVA" fund of funds, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprise financing lines (InnovaTech), in addition to grants from the "Flywheel" program directed at accompanying innovation centers and early-stage exploration companies. The workshop provided an opportunity for direct dialogue between institution and project owners, financial and investment structures, and experts through bilateral meetings (B2B).
The workshop was attended by several officials, representatives of supporting structures for entrepreneurship and investment, including the Director-General of the Deposit and Consignment Fund, the World Bank representative, and the representative of "Smart Capital," in addition to several officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Regional Council president, and representatives of the UTICA organization, the Regional Union of Agriculture, and the regional directors of several development agencies and structures concerned with industry and tourism.
The workshop is part of efforts to introduce modern financing mechanisms and facilitate access for innovative project owners to financing and accompaniment sources, aiming to support private initiative, enhance innovation, and boost investment and economic development in the regions. This initiative demonstrates Tunisia's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for innovative enterprises and entrepreneurship.
Key stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for growth and job creation through innovative financing solutions. The national roadshow will continue to visit other cities, providing opportunities for more entrepreneurs and institutions to learn about available financing options and support mechanisms. By promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, Tunisia aims to drive economic development and create a more competitive business environment.
Key points
- The national roadshow aims to promote financing for innovative enterprises and provide access to financing and accompaniment mechanisms.
- The "iSME's" project has $75 million in international financing from the World Bank to support emerging and small and medium-sized innovative institutions.
- The workshop provided a platform for direct dialogue between institution and project owners, financial and investment structures, and experts.
