Oman Oil Marketing Company celebrated the launch of Tasweik, an initiative designed to provide eight select Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with funding for promotional and branding purposes. The program was formally inaugurated during a special ceremony under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Said Al Oufi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and in the attendance of Oman Oil Marketing Company Board Members as well as representatives of Al Raffd Fund and young Omani entrepreneurs.

Tasweik will be open for registration starting December 5th 2016. The initiative is available to SMEs that have received no less than OMR 20,000 from Al Raffd Fund. Submitted SME projects must also be within the service industry, including beauty, dining, and retail establishments. Participants must be rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ by Al Raffd Fund’s ranking system and be able to prove the profitability of their business in the last three months through financial records.

Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, CEO of Al Raffd Fund, said, “We truly appreciate the role Oman Oil Marketing Company has played in making this initiative a reality. Together, we are offering SMEs a landmark opportunity to take their businesses to the next level and subsequently bring even greater value to Oman’s entrepreneurial community. With Tasweik, we will empower SMEs in the Sultanate with the resources required to harness the limitless benefits of branding and marketing.”

Eng. Omar bin Ahmed Qatan, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company, said, “As 90% of all corporate businesses in the Sultanate, there is no doubt that SMEs are the backbone of Oman’s economy and play an integral role in boosting employment and supporting the growth of local communities. With that in mind, we have consistently worked to provide them with a helping hand so that they may reach their full potential and bring even greater benefits to the people of Oman. Tasweik was inspired by that ambition and is set to become the platform for successful SMEs to reach new audiences through advertising, marketing and branding strategies.”

He added, “I would like to thank our partners at Al Raffd Fund, whose efforts has allowed us to secure all the requirement to launch this initiative. By joining hands, we are providing SMEs with yet another avenue to achieve their aspirations and inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of Omanis across the Sultanate.”

Eng. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Shanfari, General Manager of Shared Services at Oman Oil Marketing Company, added, “We have always had a keen interest in SMEs given their position as major employers and the major influence they have had on the private sector and local communities. This initiative is part of our long-standing commitment to nurture the Sultanate’s economy and prepare SMEs to compete on regional as well as global levels.”

Jaber bin Sulaiman Al Busaidi, Corporate Affairs Manager at Oman Oil Marketing Company, also commented saying, “Our strategy has always been to care beyond the pump and contribute more to the communities we serve. With that in mind, Tasweik is one of many campaigns and initiatives we have launched over the past year. Our valued customers and the general public can look forward to many more in the future.”

As part of Tasweik, Oman Oil Marketing Company will award each of the selected SMEs with OMR 8,000. The prize money will be allocated specifically for advertising and marketing purposes that will help expand the customer base and reach of the SMEs.