The opening day of the Biban Forum 2025 set the tone for one of Saudi Arabia’s largest gatherings of entrepreneurs, investors and innovators, with the signing of eight major banking and financing agreements aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities,” the forum witnessed the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) partnering with several national banks to provide flexible financing and enhance access to capital.

A SAR 5 billion (US$ 1.33 billion) agreement with Riyad Bank was launched to activate a joint financing programme for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Alrajhi Bank followed with a SAR 4 billion (US$ 1.07 billion) portfolio to fund entrepreneurial ventures and expand innovative financial products, while the Arab National Bank (anb) signed a SAR 2 billion (US$ 533 million) deal to strengthen enterprise contribution to the national economy.

Additional agreements included SAR 1 billion (US$ 267 million) portfolios each with Alinma Bank and Bank AlJazira, covering working capital and contractor financing, and a SAR 700 million (US$ 187 million) deal with Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF). Bank Albilad also announced a SAR 2.9 billion (US$ 773 million) portfolio to support SMEs, alongside SAR 200 million (US$ 53 million) allocated to high-growth enterprises under its Tomoh programme.

These initiatives reflect Monsha’at’s broader commitment to developing a competitive financing environment and aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of boosting SME contribution to national GDP.

The agreements were followed by a memorandum of understanding between Monsha’at and the Saudi National Bank (SNB) to strengthen cooperation in creating innovative funding models. Another MoU was signed with Standard Chartered Bank – Saudi Arabia to implement the Futuremakers Women in Tech Saudi Arabia global accelerator initiative, designed to empower women-led technology startups.

Now in its third edition in the Kingdom, the initiative underscores efforts to promote gender diversity and build a more inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Beyond finance, the Biban Forum 2025 highlighted the growing strength of Saudi Arabia’s technology-driven entrepreneurship. Startups in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector dominated the Startup Door — the dedicated exhibition space for new businesses — with 397 ICT firms out of more than 1,000 participants. Their strong presence reflects the increasing reliance on digital solutions as the Kingdom accelerates its transformation towards a knowledge-based economy.

Entrepreneurs at the event showcased innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics and fintech — technologies viewed as key enablers for expanding business efficiency and competitiveness. For many, Biban offered a unique opportunity to engage directly with investors, explore funding opportunities and expand regionally.

Bader Alradhan, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Sector at the SME Bank, underscored the vital role of SMEs in Saudi Arabia’s economic future during a panel titled “Financing Expansion: Empowering SMEs Through Innovative Funding Models.” He noted that SMEs represent around 99% of enterprises in the Kingdom, contributing significantly to GDP, job creation and innovation.

However, he acknowledged that access to finance remains a primary challenge — one the SME Bank seeks to address through partnerships with both commercial banks and nonbank finance companies licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Adding a lighter note to the forum, Brazilian football legend Ricardo Kaká took part in a session titled “From the Field to Global Leadership: Kaka’s Journey from Sports Icon to Investor and Global Influencer.”

He praised Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports arena and shared insights from his transition into business and investment. Kaká encouraged young Saudis to seize opportunities in emerging industries, emphasising that “discipline and seriousness remain the keys to success and sustainability in any field.”

As the Biban Forum concluded in Riyadh, it underscored how Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rapidly evolving — where technology, finance and ambition converge. From major funding commitments to a surge of ICT innovation, the forum illustrated the Kingdom’s determination to empower entrepreneurs and position itself as a global hub for opportunity and innovation.