The National Business Centre (NBC), an initiative of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) to activate Oman’s vision to encourage entrepreneurs, said that companies in its incubation programme have commenced their activities.

The companies are housed at the centre’s new headquarters in the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), said a statement.

The centre continues to receive applications of various initiatives to be included in this national programme, it said.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Hinai, director of business enabling and support services at NBC, said that despite the fact that the centre has not been officially inaugurated yet, the number of applications to join the centre and benefit from its offered services and facilities are "beyond the expectations".

"This continuing success is attributed to the gained reputation that preceded the official inauguration, the constant follow-up by small companies, enterprises and entrepreneurs, and the former major role played by The Knowledge Mine (TKM), which is the Sultanate's first incubation programme launched in 2004 with the support of the PEIE," said Al Hinai.

"The steps to join the centre have been simplified to better serve all the applicants. To enrol at the centre, an applicant has to first fill in an application form and attach an action plan of the project to be studied by NBC's management. The second phase involves an assessment and a review by the concerned department at the centre taking into account the approved standards and absolute transparency. At the third phase, the applicant shall deliver a detailed presentation on the project to the evaluation and acceptance committee at the centre."

The NBC offers features and services that include the provision of modern furnished offices at competitive rates, electronic security system, advanced fire and occupational safety systems, besides reducing the cost of services like electricity and water, he said. High-speed Internet, meeting halls, training courses and workshops in various business topics are also offered by the centre.

"NBC plays a vital role in providing immediate assistance in marketing plans, besides it contributes to creating communication channels between the incubated companies at NBC with other similar programmes, and between the companies with local and global expertise," he added. - TradeArabia News Service