The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has partnered with INJAZ Bahrain to launch ‘Entaliq with INJAZ – Powered by NBB’; a start-up programme that aims to contribute to the social and economic development of the MENA region and empower talented youth with the tools to strengthen their business ideas.

As part of its commitment to nurture young entrepreneurs, NBB has collaborated with INJAZ Bahrain to launch the Entaliq programme, designed to support, mentor and develop select teams who have completed INJAZ Bahrain’s Flagship Programme, The Company. University students and graduates taking part in the programme will be offered seed funding, an array of mentorship opportunities and subject matter expertise to aid in the launch of their businesses.

The teams will also gain access to expert mentors, including an array of NBB Group’s employees, benefit from presenting their businesses to leading entrepreneurs, investors, and accelerators, and gain first-hand experience and the knowledge required to start and run a business.

Commenting on the occasion, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, said: “Entaliq with INJAZ, powered by NBB, comes as a part of our longstanding initiative to invest in the growth and development of young Bahraini entrepreneurs and accelerate their start-ups to new heights. Through our partnership with NBB, we will be providing key industry insight to talented, up-and-coming entrepreneurs that will lead the Kingdom’s future economic growth.”

On his end, Dr. Esam Abdulla Fakhro, Deputy Chairman of NBB, said: “We are pleased to be collaborating with INJAZ Bahrain to create and initiate the latest entrepreneurial initiative for Bahraini youth. The select participants will gain access to a strong line-up of experienced industry makers that will help push their start-ups to the forefront of their respective markets. We are proud to continue our ongoing partnership with INJAZ Bahrain and fulfil the Kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030 by positioning Bahrain as a leading business hub.”

The Entaliq programme is designed to foster Bahraini talents with the most growth potential, enabling them to receive both monetary and advisory support. The aim behind the programme is to reinforce the importance of empowering Bahraini youth and provide them with the necessary resources to develop their projects.

Entaliq’s model follows a 3-phase approach; Recruitment, a 4-month Incubation and Mentoring period, and Spin Offs. The following projects have been selected as part of Entaliq: ‘ReQahwa’, a coffee recycling company; ‘CAN Company, a pottery bottle company; and ‘Upcycled’, a business transforming non-recyclable waste material into high-value products.

Entaliq participants will go through a 45-day Spin Off period, during which the chosen teams will begin running their business to the public. The programme will conclude with a pitch of their achievements to NBB and INJAZ Bahrain representatives.