Orientation Session for SME Grants Ignites Innovation in Sindh’s Business Community
Published on: June 1, 2024.
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The Poverty Alleviation & Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR) program, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funded by the European Union (EU), successfully concluded its Business Grants Orientation event at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi. The event aimed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and associations, and attracted 77 shortlisted applicants from various business sectors.
Participants at the event will now collaborate with Technical Assistance (TA) companies assigned by the PAIDAR program to develop strong business proposals. The sectors represented in the grant fund include solar products, automotive industry, waste management, construction, food processing, salt mining, retail, biomass processing, telemedicine, rice husking, and e-commerce, among others. The event also witnessed strong participation from women-led businesses, highlighting PAIDAR’s commitment to gender inclusivity and support for female entrepreneurs.
Three renowned TA companies, namely Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), Empowerment through Creative Integration (ECI), and i-Consult, will provide expert support for business planning. These organizations bring extensive experience and specialized expertise to ensure the development of robust business proposals.
During the event, Mr. Badar ul Islam, the National Programme Coordinator, welcomed attendees and outlined the program’s objectives. He emphasized that the technical support provided by the TA companies will not only assist businesses in applying for the PAIDAR grants but also empower them to develop strategic business plans and attract investments from other financial institutions.
Mr. Raja Khurram Shahzad Umar, Secretary of the Investment Department, highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs for economic growth. He commended the PAIDAR program for providing essential financial support and resources to entrepreneurs and the business community in Sindh. Mr. Khair Muhammad Kalwar, Secretary of the Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh, echoed this sentiment and expressed GoS’s support for the business community to collaborate closely with PAIDAR to achieve shared goals.
The event concluded with remarks from Mr. Farooque Ahmed Siddiqui, the National Technical Advisor, who expressed gratitude to all participants and organizers and reaffirmed the commitment to economic progress in Sindh.
The PAIDAR SME Grants are expected to significantly uplift local businesses, create job opportunities, and contribute to the economic growth and development of the region.
About Business Grants:
These grants aim to support businesses and enterprises in generating sustainable employment opportunities and productive incomes in Sindh, with a special focus on women and youth. The grants range from EUR 11,000 to EUR 200,000, with cost-sharing options of up to 50% of the project cost and up to 70% for women-led businesses.
Source: Propakistani
