Franchise Finance Boost for SMEs in Oman: What It Means for Small Business Growth and Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), through its Franchise Centre, has partnered with the Development Bank to introduce “Alama”, a specialized financing product aimed at accelerating franchising activities and creating expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout Oman.
The initiative was launched at the OCCI headquarters in Muscat under the patronage of Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This program originates from a strategic agreement signed during the Omani–Saudi Franchise Exhibition last year. Its primary goal is to support entrepreneurs in acquiring franchise rights and assist local brand owners in scaling their businesses.
Franchising is increasingly recognized as a low-risk entry point into entrepreneurship, enabling investors to operate established brands with proven operational frameworks. By offering targeted financing, the Alama product seeks to reduce business failure rates, enhance SME participation in the retail and services sectors, and stimulate private-sector growth aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Shaikh Faisal highlighted that this initiative is part of OCCI’s broader strategy to expand quality financing channels for the private sector and empower entrepreneurs to confidently engage in the franchising ecosystem. He described the cooperation as a robust example of institutional synergy supporting national entrepreneurship goals.
Officials noted that the financing program was developed after comprehensive studies by OCCI’s Franchise Centre uncovered strong demand for franchise-specific financial products tailored to the operational needs of this sector. The initiative is also designed to facilitate the international growth of Omani brands and attract well-known global franchise concepts to the local market.
The Development Bank confirmed that the Alama program provides financing up to RO 100,000, with a competitive return rate of 3 percent, flexible repayment terms of up to seven years, and grace periods lasting up to 12 months. This facility is accessible to SMEs, startup entrepreneurs aiming for franchise ownership, and existing brand owners planning business expansion. The program supports broader efforts to diversify Oman’s economy and bolster SME-led growth.
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The launch of “Alama,” a dedicated franchise financing product, positions franchising as a strategic growth lever for SMEs and entrepreneurs in Oman, reducing risks and enabling access to established business models. This initiative creates opportunities for both local brand expansion and international franchise attraction, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s economic diversification goals. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now consider franchising as a scalable, supported pathway to enter or expand within Oman’s dynamic retail and service sectors.
