The franchising sector in Saudi Arabia today represents a vital economic lever, valued at over 53 billion SAR (14.1 billion USD), with an annual growth rate of 27% for trademarks, serving as a key driver in diversifying the national economy and achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

In this context, the Social Development Bank launched on Tuesday in Riyadh the Franchise Forum “Franchise Go”, attended by senior bank officials, several partner entities, and a wide participation of entrepreneurs, brand owners, and local and international experts.

The first day of the forum featured a comprehensive program of panel discussions addressing key topics in the franchising sector, including “The Future of Franchises” and “Opportunities and Challenges in the Sector,” alongside inspiring success stories.

The event also saw the signing of cooperation agreements with the Al-Kharj Chamber, Al-Zulfi Chamber, Dan Company, and New Leap Company to support entrepreneurs and small and emerging enterprises, enhance training and financing fields, develop the franchising environment, and support digital transformation and innovative financial solutions.

The forum includes an accompanying exhibition that allows participants to directly connect with brand franchisors and explore successful franchise models and inspiring experiences.

The exhibition provides a comprehensive professional space including training workshops and individual consulting sessions offered by bank experts and consultants from the “Dalny Business Center” on the second and third days, aiming to support entrepreneurs in preparing their operational and marketing plans, enabling them to establish projects based on supported and financed business models.

In his speech at the inauguration ceremony, Eng. Mu’ayyad Al-Bishi, Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at the Social Development Bank, said: “The Franchise Go Forum is a strategic platform to expand economic empowerment opportunities. It is not just an event but a practical window that enables entrepreneurs to directly communicate with brand owners and learn about successful experiences and proven business models that enhance expansion and sustainability opportunities.”

The Social Development Bank launched in 2021 a specialized financing track for franchising with funding up to 4 million SAR, flexible repayment periods of up to 8 years, and facilitated guarantees, in addition to a package of non-financial services including training, qualification, and consultations through the “Dalny Business Center,” enabling entrepreneurs to establish projects based on sustainable and well-studied business models.

The accompanying exhibition continues for two days (Wednesday and Thursday) as part of the Social Development Bank’s efforts to consolidate its position as a key enabler for the franchising sector, enhance its role in creating quality job opportunities, develop less developed regions, and expand the presence of national brands regionally and internationally.