Beban Program: A Regional Investment Platform Bridging the Public and Private Sectors in Supporting Entrepreneurs

After achieving consecutive success in previous seasons, the highly anticipated third season of the reality TV show ‘Beban’ is set to premiere. Produced by the Hope Projects Company, a subsidiary of the Hope Fund, the program targets entrepreneurs and will be aired on January 3, 2024, on Bahrain TV and Al-Rai TV, as well as the major video-on-demand platform ‘Shahid’ in the region.

The third season was filmed at the latest exhibition and conference center in the Middle East, the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (EWB). This season provides an opportunity for 41 companies from various regions in the Middle East and North Africa to present their projects to a committee of regional investors. These entrepreneurs will have the chance to secure funding and investments in exchange for stakes in their companies, as well as strategic opportunities to accelerate their business growth.

With the start of the third season, ‘Beban’ becomes the first joint investment platform between the public and private sectors at the regional level. This partnership includes Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through the participation of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development in the UAE, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority in Oman, and GFH Capital in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the partnership also involves Zain Kuwait, the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Talent and Creativity in Kuwait, and the Tamkeen Labor Fund in Bahrain. The goal of this investment partnership is to provide strategic funding and investment opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups and guide them toward success by leveraging the knowledge and experience of investors. The partners aim to promote an entrepreneurial-friendly environment and empower startups in the region.

The third season of ‘Beban’ consists of 10 episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays, starting from January 3, at 6:00 PM Riyadh time on Bahrain TV and Al-Rai TV, as well as the freely accessible ‘Shahid’ platform. Each episode features four companies from various sectors and countries in the region, including Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.

Each episode includes three different private-sector investors. His Excellency Ayman bin Tawfiq Al-Muayyad, Chairman of the Hope Fund’s Board of Directors, will represent Hope Projects Company’s investments.

Fajr Saleh, General Manager of Hope Projects and producer of ‘Beban,’ commented on the occasion, saying, ‘We are delighted to launch the third season of Beban in collaboration with our partners from the public and private sectors. Their strong involvement in the program reflects their shared confidence in our vision to develop an investment platform that benefits the GCC countries by providing financial and strategic opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs. Through Beban, we connect entrepreneurs with strategic investors who can open doors to new markets and provide expertise and knowledge.’

She added, ‘Given the previous success of the program, which trained more than 60 entrepreneurs and raised over $6 million in total investments, the new season of ‘Beban’ will offer investment opportunities across various sectors. We look forward to viewers tuning in to this exciting new season filled with possibilities.’

Khaled Mahmoud Al Reis, Program Manager of ‘Beban,’ also expressed his thoughts, stating, ‘We created the Beban program to guide and support ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to develop their projects and achieve success on the global stage. We offer solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs in the region, including access to capital, specialized training, guidance, marketing, and global market expansion. We are excited about this new season of Beban and hope it serves as an incentive for individuals to engage in entrepreneurship and drive established companies towards greater success.’

The third season of ‘Beban’ is sponsored by several leading companies in the region, including Gulf Air, Asia Jewellery, Ahlan App, Zayani Motors, Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain, Trax Bahrain, Babco Energies, and Gulf Media International. These companies are committed to supporting Bahraini entrepreneurs and enhancing their growth through investment, knowledge sharing, and access to business opportunities.

This new season of ‘Beban’ comes after the program’s significant success in previous seasons. With over 350 hours of intensive training provided to more than 60 entrepreneurs and investments exceeding $6 million in total in previous seasons, ‘Beban’ has successfully attracted investments and support for startups.

This new season of ‘Beban’ represents a positive development in offering more investment opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa region. Viewers can expect to witness entrepreneurs and investors interacting and innovating in the field of entrepreneurship and startup development.

‘Beban’ program not only offers investment opportunities but also aims to guide and empower entrepreneurs by providing specialized training and valuable guidance. Additionally, the program promotes companies and projects on a global scale, enhancing their chances of success and growth.