Supported by the Labour Fund , StartUp Bahrain has been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurship, offering startups a nurturing environment, access to vital resources, and opportunities for growth. General Assembly Bahrain complements this mission by providing cutting-edge tech education programs, including courses in software engineering, UX design, and data analytics. Their curriculum is meticulously aligned with current market trends, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.
The partnership is set to provide startups with access to General Assembly Bahrain's hands-on, industry-relevant training modules. This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of Bahraini entrepreneurs, furnishing them with the tech talent crucial for business success.
Leila Rajab, Senior Marketing Manager at General Assembly Bahrain, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "Our partnership with StartUp Bahrain represents a significant investment in the future of Bahrain’s entrepreneurial landscape. By providing founders with access to our cutting-edge tech programs and a pipeline of our highly skilled graduates, we’re empowering the next generation of founders to thrive in today’s competitive market."
Maryam Malik, Project Manager at StartUp Bahrain, echoed this sentiment: "We’re excited to catalyze growth in Bahrain’s startup ecosystem alongside General Assembly Bahrain. Our partnership marks an exciting milestone to provide and empower Bahraini startups with the digital skills and educational resources needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven economy."
This collaboration builds upon previous initiatives aimed at bolstering Bahrain's startup scene. Notably, StartUp Bahrain, with Tamkeen's support, has organized events such as the 'StartUp Bahrain Pitch' series, which trained 92 entrepreneurs through a bootcamp focused on pitching and raising investments, empowering 77 entrepreneurs to present their ideas to potential investors. Additionally, General Assembly Bahrain has made significant strides in enhancing the tech skills of Bahrainis, graduating over 200 UX designers, thereby contributing to bridging the digital skills gap in the Kingdom.
Tamkeen's role has been pivotal in these developments. As Bahrain's Labour Fund, Tamkeen has consistently supported initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and skill development. Their 'Start Your Business Program' offers early-stage businesses tailor-made solutions to foster innovation and productivity. Eligibility criteria include being a Bahrain-based enterprise with an active commercial registration and operating for less than three years since registration. The program provides co-matching grants covering up to 50% of the total amount required by the enterprise for areas such as machinery, technology, and marketing.