Overview
The Riyada Program is part of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development’s (KAFD) efforts to empower Jordanian youth and foster innovation by transforming entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable ventures that contribute to strengthening the local economy and creating a positive impact in local communities.
Building on its first edition in 2025, which focused on supporting small-scale projects across diverse productive, service, and technology sectors, the program is shifting its focus in its second edition to the circular economy and green entrepreneurship. This new direction opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.
The program aims to help entrepreneurs move from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to market entry and growth, developing scalable ventures that promote resource efficiency, create self-employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable development in Jordan. This is delivered through an integrated support ecosystem that includes training, incubation, financing, mentorship, and market linkages.
General Objective
To empower entrepreneurs and startups in the fields of the circular economy and green entrepreneurship to advance from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to market entry and growth through an integrated support ecosystem encompassing training, incubation, financing, mentorship, and market linkages.
Targeted Areas
The program focuses exclusively on the circular economy and green entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on:
- Waste management, reuse, and recycling.
- Efficient use of water, energy, and other resources.
- Environmentally friendly products and services.
- Sustainable agriculture and food production.
- Reducing loss and waste.
- Cleaner production and operational efficiency.
- Product repair and extending product lifecycles.
- Converting waste into products or economically valuable inputs.
- Circular and sustainable business models.
Target Beneficiaries
Riyada targets entrepreneurs and startups with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that is ready for use and testing in the market within the fields of the circular economy and green entrepreneurship. The program also allocates a grant for persons with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a Jordanian citizen.
- Age: Entrepreneurs with business ideas must be between 23 and 40 years of age.
- Product Readiness: Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within the program’s approved focus areas.
- Market Potential: The proposed solution must demonstrate scalability and growth potential, with existing or anticipated market demand.
- Training Commitment: Full attendance at all training sessions is mandatory, either in person or virtually, depending on the governorate.
Achievements
In its first edition, Riyada supported 11 projects across various governorates of the Kingdom, empowering young entrepreneurs to develop their ventures and strengthen their contribution to local economic development.
Partners
The Riyada Program is implemented in partnership with Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB), serving as the development partner, and in collaboration with iPARK, which serves as the program’s mentorship and incubation partner.