The selected entrepreneurs will receive training to develop a strategic growth plan for their businesses. It's being conducted by SME consultancy firm Ingenious Solutions in association with Sharakah youth development fund and with funding from BP Oman.

Twenty of the participants will also be eligible for a RO5000 grant and a RO20000 loan from Sharakah. The programme will run from mid-February to mid-May.

On Wednesday officials held a workshop at Riyada headquarters for potential participants. William Crew CEO Ingenious Solutions said the programme is targeting SMEs who are at most risk of failing - those which are less than three years old.

He said the training will be based on MBA programmes involving case studies and research. Sessions will include classroom lectures as well as peer study groups. The number of trainees has been increased to 30 from 23 in the first edition in 2014. Applications will be accepted until February 10. Applications can be submitted at: http://smedevp.sharakah.om