RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, will host the Biban 24 forum, themed “Global Destination for Opportunities,” from Nov. 5-9 in Riyadh.

The event will gather over 250 speakers and 1,350 exhibitors, representing local and international entrepreneurs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum aims to boost entrepreneurial growth, promote competitiveness, and increase the number of startups.

It also seeks to identify investment opportunities in the public and private sectors and introduce youths to innovative ideas and strategies aligned with Vision 2030, which emphasizes small and medium enterprises’ contribution to the gross domestic product.

Sami Al-Husseini, Monsha’at's governor, said the forum provides a “platform for entrepreneurs to explore opportunities, promote SME growth, and foster innovation and collaboration between local and global entrepreneurs.”

He added that the forum also offers “a space for interaction among changemakers and supporters of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to a prosperous future.”

More than 150 entities from the public and private sectors, supporting SMEs in areas such as capacity building and e-commerce, will participate to help address challenges hindering business growth.

The forum will host the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup, with participants from 151 countries competing for up to $1 million in cash prizes. Saudi Arabia will host the final qualifiers and closing ceremony.

Around 420 training workshops, expected to benefit over 19,000 participants, will cover topics supporting entrepreneurship and SME growth.

The forum will feature nine sections tailored to different SME needs, including start, enablement, e-commerce, funding, innovation, startups, franchising, fast-growing enterprises, and market access.

It will also see several launches and agreements aimed at fostering SME investment and growth through diverse financing solutions.