SME Digital Wraps Up Three-Day Fuvahmulah Visit, Engaging Over 100 Entrepreneurs and Local Authorities

SME Digital, in collaboration with Bank of Maldives Islamic and the Business Center Corporation (BCC), has successfully concluded a three-day engagement visit to Fuvahmulah, running from 25th to 27th April, marking another meaningful step in the company's nationwide effort to support local entrepreneurs and raise awareness of available SME financing opportunities.

Throughout the visit, the team engaged with more than 100 members of the community, including existing business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and women entrepreneurs, providing practical guidance on how to access financial support. A key focus of these sessions was the Islamic Micro-Financing Scheme, introduced by Bank of Maldives under the Maldives Islamic Social Finance Initiative, for which SME Digital is currently accepting applications.

A Productive Meeting With the City Council

A meeting led by SME Digital CEO Badhurudheen Hassan, Chief Islamic Banking Officer of Bank of Maldives Hassan Kalaam, and Deputy Manager of Business Center Fuvahmulah Ibrahim Waheed Mohamed, together with their respective teams, was held with the Fuvahmulah City Council to discuss the challenges facing local businesses and explore opportunities for closer collaboration.

During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Mohamed Fikury commended SME Digital's contribution to the development of guesthouses in the city, acknowledging the tangible impact the organisation's financing support has had on the local tourism sector. Discussions further highlighted key areas to strengthen and expand the SME sector in Fuvahmulah, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration between SME Digital and local authorities.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

In addition to the City Council meeting, the SME Digital team held discussions with the Women's Development Committee (WDC) to explore initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs in the city, reflecting the organisation's commitment to ensuring inclusive access to financing for all segments of the community.

On-the-Ground Support for Existing Businesses

As part of the visit, SME Digital also conducted field visits to businesses already supported through its financing, assessing their progress firsthand and providing guidance on future growth and expansion opportunities, ensuring that the organisation's support extends well beyond initial financing into sustained, hands-on engagement.

This engagement forms part of SME Digital's ongoing nationwide efforts to empower entrepreneurs across the Maldives and enhance access to inclusive financial solutions, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to reaching communities in every corner of the country.