DUBAI — Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the launch of its Business Mentoring and Support (BMS) Program, a CSR initiative designed to help SMEs in Dubai navigate new challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, by pairing them with large corporations that can offer support and mentorship where needed.

The first-of-its-kind program, established by Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business, will see SMEs in Dubai paired with large companies offering professional advice and resources tailored to unique needs, and helping participants strengthen business skills and competencies. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for large corporates to enhancer their CSR impact and contribute to the development of Dubai’s economy.

The Coca-Cola Company will launch the first initiative supported by the Dubai Chamber BMS Program. As part of Coca Cola’s Open Like Never Before initiative, the company will donate 250,000 facemasks and $240,000 worth of products to 3000 restaurants and small stores across the UAE, and advise the retailers with in-store safety communications and social awareness campaigns designed to encourage customers to support local stores.

“Given the unprecedented challenges faced by SMEs in the current business landscape, it was a natural move for Dubai Chamber to create a programme providing these enterprises with valuable support and resources in the key challenge areas, in a way that not only addresses immediate needs but also helps them develop and grow into thriving businesses,” said Dr. Belaid Rettab, senior director, economic research and sustainable business development sector, Dubai Chamber.

Beyond the short-term business benefits, the programme also aims to create a business support ecosystem and platform that builds stronger links between large companies and SMEs in Dubai, while it also offers many far-reaching benefits for participants, such as recognition, training, CSR support, mentorship and business partnerships, he explained.

The Centre for Responsible Business will deliver awareness programs on the dual benefits of mentoring and support to increase the pool of mentors and supporters from large organizations and attract participation from SMEs in Dubai. In addition, the Centre will provide participants with access to training, a mentoring and support framework and toolkits and guidelines on mentoring and support.

The new program complements Dubai Chamber’s extensive efforts to help the business community deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few months, which include a dedicated online portal offering vital information and resources, the #BeSafeWorkSmart awareness campaign on remote working practices and a series of webinars advising companies on employee safety, legal inquiries, e-commerce tips and CSR best practices. — SG