FAQ

Sharakah was incorporated in 1998 by a Royal Decree as a Closed-Joint Stock Company to support the development and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Sultanate of Oman.

Essentially an entrepreneur is someone who starts a new business venture. However, we tend to think of entrepreneurs as people who have a talent for seeing opportunities and the abilities to develop these opportunities into a profit-making business.

Sharakah offers business development and consulting services for SMEs who are at startup or growth stage as well as financial support in three different schemes

Sharakah believes that the first few years of any business are the most critical that is why we provide dedicated business development services to ensure the continuity, growth and sustainability of the business. This includes:

  • Review Business Plan
  • Project Financial Projections
  • Risk Assessment
  • Access to Markets
  • Promoting Services and Products
  • Networking
  • Monitor Performance
  • Review Financial Reports
  • Marketing Plan
  •  

We provide customized financial solutions to suit your business needs and we have three different schemes:

  • Loans : Assets based funding and working capital
  • Equity Finance : for high growth sectors
  • Bill Discounting : for short term requirements

Sharakah charges 5% as Interest rate and between 0 to 2% risk rate depending generally on project viability, client`s capability and commitment.

Yes Sharakah allows a grace period and it varies between abusiness to another. However, on average it is expected between 3 months to 6 months.

Omanis that have adequate skills to manage their business, have the commitment and courage, are ready to commit their time and are willing to contribute partial funding of the project. Indeed, Sharakah`s decision for sanctioning projects relies on these major criteria: The applicant’s capabilities; interest and readiness to start a business venture; commitment; and viability of the business.

Generally, Sharakah supports many sectors with a concentration on sectors that add value to the local economy and contribute to employment creation for locals. For a list of all activities that Sharakah supports please visit our website.

Sharakah doesn`t support the following sectors:

  • Direct Trading.
  • Real Estate / Construction Project.
  • Buying out or taking over any personal loans.
  • Some Agriculture and Fishers projects.

Usually the process does not exceed 6 weeks, from the day we have received all required documents including a viable business plan, audited financials and else. For a detailed process flow chart of the pre-sanction stage, please visit our website.

For Loan and Bill Discounting schemes, Sharakah takes security but it does not have to be 100% of the required investment amount. The type of securities that Sharakah accepts vary and they are properties including (Lands or Buildings) and assignment of receivables

This really depends on the business type, location, size, market research, business owner and other factors. However, in general Sharakah requests the following documents:

  • A complete Business Plan
  • Audited Financial Statements (for existing businesses).
  • Owner(s) resume

A detailed list of all requirements is explained in the process flow chart and that includes, checklists, forms, fees, duration, documents and else. Please visit our website for more information.

Sure, Sharakah does not have any restrictions in terms of employment status. Nevertheless, we encourage business owners who are willing to commit fully to the business.

There is a funding limit according to each scheme. Sharakah does not finance 100% of the project. In case of Equity scheme, Sharakah’s participation in the project will be minimum 10% and maximum 49%, and the assistance will be restricted between OMR 100,000 to 350,000. In Loan Scheme, Sharakah’s participation will be up to 80% for existing projects and up to 67% for start-ups. The investment amount is also between OMR 25,000 to 350,000.

Currently, the Equity Scheme is being offered in accordance and compliance with Islamic financing. Sharakah aims to offer all its financial schemes to be Shariaa Compliant in the next few years.

While one of Sharakah`s objectives is creating employment opportunities for locals, we do not impose any kind of restrictions on Omanization level. However, projects that show more commitment to employ nationals have higher chances of being sanctioned.

Sharakah`s office is located at Golf TowerMuscat Hills, Airport Heights, Al Seeb, Sultanate of Oman.

The Bill Discounting scheme is offered for companies which have been operating for at least 18 months and have not been in default to banks / financial institutions. It aims to improve the cash flow and liquidity of SMEs by providing them with immediate cash against the goods sold and or services provided to large purchaser companies having good financial track record. The credit period shall not exceed 90 days. The rate of Interest is calculated as follow:

  • Upto 30 days 1%
  • 31 to 60 days 2%
  • 61 to 90 days 3%

In general, Bill Discounting is a short term financing for a period between 6 months to a year.

Sharakah`s head office is located in Al Khuwair 33 near to Masjid (Jamee)Al Sultan Said Bin Taimoor.

For further information please phone (+968) 24479300 or send email to info@sharakah.om

No, Sharakah is a private organization.