stc sponsors the ‘Mubadr Plus’ Forum organized for SMEs by The National Fund

Kuwait Telecommunications Company – stc, a world-class digital leader providing innovative services and platforms to customers, enabling the digital transformation in Kuwait, sponsored and participated in the ‘Mudar Plus’ Forum launched by The National Fund to empower SMEs in Kuwait. The forum was held under the patronage of the Minister of Commerce and Industry, His Excellency Khalifa Alajeel Alaskar, and aligns with Kuwait’s 2035 vision. stc’s participation in the forum falls under its extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework, with supporting the entrepreneurial community in Kuwait serving as one of its key pillars. 
Mubadr Plus was held at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center on April 22nd, featuring several panel discussions focused on SMEs in Kuwait. The first panel discussion covered the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in the market, whereas the second panel discussion highlighted some of the success stories that benefited from government support and digital transformation initiatives in Kuwait. The discussions brought together industry professionals and innovators to explore various dynamics of the SME ecosystem in Kuwait. 
Ahmed Al Nowaibet, Director of Public Relations and Social Media at stc, participated as a panelist in the second discussion of the forum, covering various initiatives that stc has implemented to create opportunities for SMEs. He highlighted stc’s ‘weyak’ initiative which was launched by the Company with a strategic focus on empowering both SMEs and entrepreneurs through various programs. 
Al Nowaibet also mentioned stc’s ‘inspireU’ business accelerator, a program initially launched by stc Group to assist entrepreneurs in bringing their projects to life through a comprehensive program offering workshops and mentorship to guide ambitious entrepreneurs. Al Nowaibet emphasized stc’s role as an enabler of digital transformation that provides SMEs with access to various platforms and programs that assist them throughout their unique journeys.
Al Nowaibet, said, “stc is proud to have participated in another initiative that aims to support and empower the SME ecosystem in Kuwait. The forum served as an important platform to highlight stc’s role in supporting entrepreneurs by offering tailored initiatives that address their evolving needs. Programs like weyak and inspire reflect stc’s belief in the potential of local business owners and our ongoing efforts to provide the right environment for growth and innovation.”
He added, “From a strategic perspective, supporting SMEs falls in line with stc’s broader vision to drive digital transformation and contribute to the national development agenda outlined in Kuwait Vision 2035. Through our role, stc is shaping a more inclusive economy by integrating SMEs into the digital ecosystem by fostering innovation through strategic partnerships and platforms.”
Jasser Al-Najdi, General Manager of United Development Company, expressed that the objective behind the Mubadr Plus Forum was to create a national program that focused on supporting and developing the skills of SME owners. The program was launched in November 2024 and implemented over several months through an effective partnership with The National Fund, targeting funded entrepreneurs officially registered in the national registry as well as existing business owners. 
He said, “The Mubadr Plus Forum is an extension of the program and serves as an integral part of the philosophy that we follow. It provides SME owners with direct engagement opportunities with representatives from both the public and private sectors, while also discussing the future of SMEs in Kuwait, the current challenges they face, and the policies needed to support their growth.”
Al-Najdi expressed his appreciation to stc, noting that the sponsorship is a reflection of the private sector’s role in supporting initiatives that aim to evolve and empower the SME ecosystem. He emphasized that stc’s participation in the forum displays a deep understanding of the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and enhancing their capabilities, particularly in areas related to digital transformation and technological empowerment, both of which are fundamental pillars for any business in this era.
He concluded, “At United Development, we believe that national programs should not be measured solely by the number of beneficiaries, but by the value of the impact and the transformation they create in awareness and practice. Through this forum, we aim to turn knowledge into practice and training into real empowerment.”