Riyada programme

The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and SPARK have developed the 13-month RIYADA project that aims to support Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Business Support Centres (BSCs) in enhancing their capabilities to provide essential services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as to support youth ideas in becoming real startups. The programme aims to increase the capacity of BSCs to effectively accelerate the development of existing MSMEs. Furthermore, Riyada focuses on upskilling entrepreneurs and supporting them to transform their ideas into real businesses through bootcamps, seed funding and mentorship.

In a region where movement, trade and opportunity are all heavily constrained, young entrepreneurs in Palestine face immense challenges. But through the Riyada programme, created by SPARK and with support from the Arab Fund, women like Asmaa Dawood are pushing forward - developing new businesses, creating jobs, and shaping a new economic reality for their communities.

In the hills of Bethlehem, Samia Ali is building a brand that combines traditional sheep farming with fresh approaches to natural production. Taste of Nature produces cheese, labneh, jameed, soap, and wool-based goods, using every part of the animal in creative, sustainable ways. With support from the Riyada programme, the business is now officially registered and planning for growth.

Mohammad Al Masaeid combined his background in agriculture and business to design machinery that responds to the real needs of farmers in Palestine. With support from the Riyada programme, his company has expanded its product line and strengthened its systems, setting the foundation for growth beyond local markets.

With few options after graduating as an agricultural engineer, Shahd Al Sharif started a business that brought together her skills and values. Bonsai blends traditional plants like the olive tree with accessible, sustainable design. With support from the Riyada programme, the project is now growing into a thoughtful business rooted in care, culture, and everyday use.

Paltraders is building a digital space where Palestinian companies, suppliers, and service providers can connect, collaborate, and grow. With support from SPARK through the Riyada programme, this startup is helping local businesses find practical solutions to challenges in visibility, supply chain management, and customer engagement.

What began as a university experiment is now a business designing and manufacturing CNC machines for the local market. With support from the Riyada programme, Ihsan CNC Manufacturing is refining its product design, improving visibility, and finding new ways to stay competitive in a shifting economy.

In a context where outdoor activity is often limited, A&M Adventure is introducing a new way for people to move, connect, and grow. With support from the Riyada programme, the startup is delivering nature-based experiences across Palestine and preparing to build the first permanent rope challenge park in the country.

What started as a personal shift in lifestyle has grown into a business dedicated to healthier eating. With support from the Riyada programme, Zeina for Healthy Food is producing sugar-free and gluten-free products that meet the growing demand for balanced alternatives in Nablus and beyond.

What began as a way to help a friend regain his independence has now grown into a fully-fledged startup in Birzeit. TheKey is transforming smart home technology into a tool for care and accessibility, with support from the Riyada programme.