The Biban Forum 2025 opened in Riyadh this week with a strong signal of investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) ecosystem. Organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at), the event kicked off with financing and partnership deals worth more than SAR 22.3 billion (approximately USD 6 billion) on its first day.
The financing packages are part of Monsha’at’s broader effort to strengthen the SME sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s economy, aligning with the Vision 2030 target of increasing SMEs’ share of GDP to 35%. The forum, held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities,” brings together government bodies, investors, entrepreneurs, and global innovation partners to boost access to funding and business growth opportunities.
According to Arab News, the event saw eight major portfolio financing agreements with leading Saudi banks. These include SAR 5 billion (USD 1.3 billion) with Riyad Bank, SAR 4 billion with Al Rajhi Bank, SAR 2 billion with Arab National Bank, and SAR 1 billion each with Alinma Bank and Bank AlJazira.
Other financial institutions also announced new funding initiatives. Bank Albilad introduced a SAR 2.9 billion (USD 773 million) portfolio to support Saudi entrepreneurs and a dedicated SAR 200 million (USD 53 million) fund for high-growth firms through Monsha’at’s “Tomoh” program. These initiatives are designed to expand financing access for startups and SMEs, particularly women entrepreneurs and founders outside major cities.
The Biban Forum has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most important entrepreneurship events, acting as a bridge between the public and private sectors. It connects founders with incubators, accelerators, and investors, while highlighting new funding mechanisms for small businesses. According to Waya Media, this year’s forum places a stronger emphasis on digitization, sustainability, and fintech-driven business models.
In previous editions, Biban has been a magnet for billion-dollar deal flows. The 2023 edition of the forum generated over SAR 52 billion (USD 13.8 billion) worth of financing agreements and partnerships, covering sectors from manufacturing to tech innovation, according to Monsha’at’s official report.
This year’s forum is expected to continue that trend, drawing both local and international investors. It also marks an important moment for Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to position itself as a regional hub for innovation and private-sector growth.
As Biban 2025 continues through November 5–8, more announcements are anticipated around venture funding, fintech collaboration, and SME digitization programs, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s reputation as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic startup markets.
Biban forum 2025 opens with $6B funding boost