AMMAN — The Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) on Wednesday signed 115 support agreements under its “Create Your Business” and “Development” programmes, with a total value of JD3 million.

 

The agreements covered 80 projects under the “Create Your Business” programme, worth JD2 million, and 35 projects under the “Development” programme, worth JD1 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

During the ceremony, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said the ministry is committed to ensuring that support reaches deserving projects through a scientific, professional and ethical approach, with a focus on selecting projects capable of sustainable growth.

 

Qudah said that JEDCO received around 2,700 applications for the two programmes, with 115 projects selected following several stages of assessment.

 

The selection process included initial and final evaluations, an additional assessment by an independent specialised company and personal interviews to assess applicants’ commitment to their ideas and ability to implement them, he said.

 

Qudah said that reaching the final stage indicates that the selected projects are viable and realistic and have potential for growth and expansion.

 

He added that the ministry also sought to ensure geographical diversity among beneficiary projects and avoid concentrating support in a limited number of governorates.

 

The programmes focus on helping small projects develop and expand into businesses capable of creating jobs and generating sustainable employment opportunities, Qudah said.

 

He stressed the importance of maintaining partnerships with beneficiary projects from the provision of support through advanced stages of growth and expansion, in a way that benefits project owners, employees and local communities.

 

JEDCO Executive Director Ghaleb Hijazi said signing the agreements marks a new stage for the beneficiary projects, aimed at boosting productivity, expansion, competitiveness and job creation.

 

He said that the two programmes are complementary, with “Create Your Business” helping entrepreneurs establish their projects, while “Development” supports existing businesses in improving their operations and strengthening their ability to grow and compete, in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision.

 

Hijazi said strong demand for the programmes reflects the need for support initiatives that respond to the requirements of entrepreneurs and businesses.

 

He said that JEDCO received 2,222 applications under “Create Your Business” and 561 under “Development”, with 115 projects qualifying for support.

 

“The selected projects represent a diversity of governorates and sectors, alongside growing participation by women in economic activity and entrepreneurship,” Hijazi said.

 

He stressed that JEDCO’s role does not end with providing support, but extends to following up on projects, measuring results and directing support towards opportunities with the greatest potential to achieve sustainable economic impact.

 

Hijazi added that the achievement reflects JEDCO’s growing role as a national tool for translating economic priorities into practical support programmes, strengthening the ability of projects and enterprises to produce, grow, expand and compete, while creating jobs and broadening the economic base across the Kingdom.