The DeveGo 2025 entrepreneurship forum launched in Riyadh on December 21, with the Social Development Bank announcing SAR 8 billion in annual support for Saudi entrepreneurs and enterprises. Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi inaugurated the three-day event at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
The forum, running through December 23, also marked the launch of a new international fellowship program in partnership with the United Nations.
Key Takeaways
- Social Development Bank invests SAR 8 billion annually in entrepreneur and enterprise support
- Employment in SDB-financed enterprises grew from 12,000 in 2021 to 140,000 in 2025
- Jada 30 business communities have incubated 4,300 enterprises across 13 Saudi cities
- New Empretec Saudi Fellowship launched with [[external:https://unctad.org|UNCTAD]] partnership
- Eleven organizations honored for Social Responsibility Portfolio contributions
DeveGo 2025 Entrepreneurship Forum Investment Impact
Al Rajhi, who also serves as Chairman of the [[external:https://sdb.gov.sa|Social Development Bank]] Board, outlined the scope of the bank’s entrepreneur support programs. The SAR 8 billion annual investment has contributed to significant employment growth, according to SDB figures.
“The Kingdom is witnessing a qualitative transformation in the entrepreneurship and freelance ecosystem,” Al Rajhi said. He noted that young Saudis are entering sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced technologies, and venture capital.
For context on Saudi startup ecosystem development, see our [[internal:saudi-startup-ecosystem-2025|Kingdom’s startup landscape analysis]].
Incubation and Advisory Programs
Beyond financing, SDB operates non-financial support programs that have expanded reach across the Kingdom. The Jada 30 business communities have incubated more than 4,300 enterprises in 13 cities.
Additionally, the Dulani Business Center has delivered over 67,000 consultations. These sessions have benefited more than 150,000 male and female entrepreneurs, according to SDB data.
The bank also maintains a strategic partnership with UNCTAD to deliver the Empretec program, which focuses on developing entrepreneurial capabilities.
Empretec Saudi Fellowship Launch
The forum featured the launch of the Empretec Saudi Fellowship, announced in the presence of UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. The fellowship targets high-potential entrepreneurs with intensive training programs and access to international experts.
The program aims to connect Saudi entrepreneurs with technical tools and global networks to support business growth and expansion.
For more on international partnerships supporting Saudi entrepreneurs, see our [[internal:saudi-international-business-partnerships|cross-border collaboration guide]].
Social Responsibility Partners Honored
Al Rajhi recognized eleven organizations contributing to the Social Responsibility Portfolio, a development initiative directing corporate social responsibility funds toward entrepreneur financing.
Honorees included the General Authority for Awqaf, ACWA Power, Jahez, Saudi National Bank, Alinma Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Arab National Bank, Savola World Foundation, Ma’aden, Fakeeh Care Group, and Al-Ghuwayri Charity Foundation.
What’s Next
The DeveGo 2025 entrepreneurship forum continues through December 23 with sessions on technology, digital transformation, and the entrepreneurial economy. International and local speakers will address innovation and business practices aligned with the Kingdom’s economic diversification objectives.
Registration and session details are available through the [[external:https://sdb.gov.sa|Social Development Bank portal]].
