Opportunity platform: SAR 2.6 billion in small business commitments in 2025
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) announced exceptional achievements through the “Opportunity” platform, one of the strategic services of the “Nine Tenths” program, as the platform recorded a qualitative leap in the value of opportunities and commitments for small and medium enterprises, exceeding the threshold of 2.6 billion riyals during the year 2025 alone, with an unprecedented growth rate of 122% compared to the previous year.
This announcement reflects the success of national strategies aimed at empowering the emerging business sector, as the total value of opportunities since the launch of the platform has reached more than 5 billion riyals, confirming its growing role as a major driver in the wheel of the national economy.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
These figures gain significance from their close alignment with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which has placed the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector at the heart of its priorities, aiming to increase its contribution to the GDP from 20% to 35%. The "Fursa" platform is a practical embodiment of this vision, acting as a digital bridge that closes the gap between government and private procurement and entrepreneurs, providing a fair and transparent competitive environment.
The “Nine Tenths” program, under which the platform falls, is a pioneering initiative from the Human Resources Development Fund that aims to change the work culture and support entrepreneurship, by providing integrated services that help establishments grow and be sustainable in the labor market.
Record numbers and economic indicators
In detailing its financial performance, the fund explained that November 2025 marked a significant milestone for the platform, witnessing a record-breaking number of orders exceeding SAR 800 million in a single month – the highest figure since its inception. This surge in momentum reflects the growing confidence of major investors in the efficiency and high-quality project execution capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The increase in the number of registered suppliers to more than 38,000 also reflects the expansion of the beneficiary base, which enhances competitiveness, reduces operating costs for service requesters, and opens up broad prospects for small businesses to access a larger market share that was previously the preserve of large companies.
Economic impact and digital transformation
The impact of the “Foras” platform extends beyond financial figures, encompassing the enhancement of digital transformation in the procurement sector. By automating tendering and awarding processes, the platform contributes to increased transparency and integrity, and reduces contracting timelines, positively impacting the Kingdom’s business environment and making it more attractive to both local and foreign investment.
Future aspirations
The fund affirmed its commitment to further developing the platform's technical and operational capabilities throughout 2026, aiming to enhance user experience and deliver innovative solutions that keep pace with market changes. These steps are designed to ensure sustainable growth and empower more entrepreneurs to capitalize on the substantial purchasing opportunities offered by both the public and private sectors, ultimately contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
