Cultural Development Fund Launches Nama’ Accelerators, Starting with Handicrafts Track

General

Riyadh: The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) announced the launch of Nama' Accelerators in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program- one of Saudi Vision 2030's realization programs. The initiative is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and aims to empower the growth of cultural enterprises through a structured training and development journey that culminates in targeted financial incentives.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Nama' Accelerators include a series of sector-specific tracks that the fund plans to launch soon, beginning with the Handicrafts Track, which supports the goals of the '2025 Year of Handicrafts' initiative and aims to amplify its economic, social, and creative impact by encouraging stakeholders to enhance and scale their cultural projects.

The CDF launched a dedicated webpage for full program details. The Handicrafts Track targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in 11 distinct areas of handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and woodworking. Participants will benefit from specialized training in modern craft techniques, intensive workshops in marketing and business management, and improved access to local and international markets. Financial incentives are designed to support the long-term sustainability and expansion of participating enterprises.

Through this first track, Nama' Accelerators aims to transform Saudi Arabia's rich craft heritage into sustainable economic ventures that empower communities, foster innovation in the sector, and enrich the national identity.

The initiative also contributes to the development of a thriving Saudi entrepreneurial environment by supporting the growth of innovative startups with ambitious visions. It aligns with the CDF's broader mission to become the Financial Center of Excellence for the cultural sector and a key enabler of sustainable, profitable growth for cultural entrepreneurs and businesses.

Moreover, Nama' Accelerators reinforces the fund's commitment to collaborative efforts across the cultural ecosystem as it continues to advance the objectives of the National Culture Strategy under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.