Muscat – Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), in collaboration with Tharawat Family Business Forum, launched a programme on venture investment and family business governance on Tuesday at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The programme aims to provide family business owners valuable insights into venture investment strategies and effective governance practices.

The two-day programme features several dialogue sessions focusing on venture capital and entrepreneurship within family businesses, alongside discussions on the latest trends in governance to foster innovation.

One of the key sessions on Tuesday included a workshop titled ‘Venture Capital for Family Businesses – Innovation and Growth’, which highlighted the critical role of the capital market as a key financing tool in the economy, alongside human capital and technology.

Another session, titled ‘From Tradition to Innovation’, underscored the importance of embracing change and exploring new sectors beyond traditional industries. It encouraged family businesses to engage in advanced knowledge-based industries such as technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

The programme also featured a session on ‘Expectations and Reality… The Path to Building an Entrepreneurship System’, which discussed the importance of facilitating access to financing and investment to stimulate innovation among startup owners. It explored how Oman and Gulf Cooperation Council countries can attract both local and international investors to support the startup ecosystem.

On Wednesday, the programme will continue with a workshop on ‘Family Businesses – Strategic Investment and Governance’, discussing the significance of establishing family businesses, strategic investment planning and best practices in governance. Family businesses, recognised for their accumulated experience and flexible capital, are strategic partners in supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the entrepreneurial environment.