Business leaders observe that governments, investors, and entrepreneurs must collaborate to create environments where SMEs can flourish.
“Innovation doesn’t need skyscrapers or billion-dollar labs. It needs vision, grit, and grassroots action,” says Suresh Sharma of Open Range Capital Partners.
“AI isn’t here to take your job—it’s here to take your business to the next level,” Peter Pal Mogyorósi, CEO of LC Innoconsult tells delegates at AIM Congress.

In Abu Dhabi, a forum on SME growth saw thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers converged to chart a new course for the sector in a rapidly evolving marketplace. From unlocking capital to harnessing cutting-edge technologies, the sessions during the 14th AIM Congress 2025 painted a vivid picture of a future where SMEs are not just participants but leaders in global economic transformation.

The discussions underscored a universal truth: the road to SME growth is paved with innovation, strategic partnerships, and access to finance—especially in sectors such as agribusiness, where Islamic finance is emerging as a vital cog.

Building trust and ecosystems: The new currency for SME growth

The session “Building Investment Ecosystems for SME Growth and Prosperity” set the tone with a compelling dialogue on the frameworks needed to fuel SME success. Francesco Bonfiglio, CEO of DYNAMO SpA, stated: “Data is the lifeblood of modern technologies, but trust is the heartbeat of sustainable growth.”

His call for a departure from outdated economic models resonated deeply, as he noted that investors must prioritize trust and long-term impact over quick returns.

Neo Mngomezulu of Zuloo Holdings brought an equally refreshing perspective, championing the entrepreneurial mindset as the ultimate tool for resilience. “Continuous learning and relationship-building aren’t just strategies—they’re survival skills,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Yousuf Saeed Ahmad Nasser Lootah, Founder of Lootah Bio Fuel LLC, spotlighted the UAE’s leadership in green innovation, urging SMEs to align with sustainability goals. “The world is hungry for clean technologies,” he revealed. “SMEs that embrace this demand will thrive.”

The session closed with a unified consensus: the future belongs to ecosystems that foster trust, enable long-term investment, and create lasting community impact.

Masterclass Magic: Modernizing B2B sales for SME expansion

In the “Masterclass: Market Access Strategies,” attendees were treated to a masterclass in reinventing B2B sales. ElHusseiny, a SME growth expert, dismantled the traditional sales funnel, advocating instead for a relationship-driven approach.

“Sales isn’t about pushing products—it’s about solving problems,” he asserted. His introduction of frameworks like MEDDIC and GPCTBA/C&I provided actionable blueprints for aligning sales efforts with client needs.

The session mapped the entire customer journey, from the first handshake to post-sale follow-ups, highlighting the role of sales intelligence and tech enablement. “Data isn’t just numbers; it’s your compass,” ElHusseiny noted.

Key takeaways included the art of lead qualification, the power of personalized proposals, and the necessity of feedback loops for continuous improvement. For SMEs looking to compete in the B2B arena, the message was clear: leverage data and technology, or risk being left behind.

Agribusiness and Islamic Finance: A match made for economic transformation

The session “Unlocking Finance for Agribusiness SMEs” turned the spotlight on one of the most critical yet underserved sectors. Elias Eliades of Enterprise Greece kicked things off by showcasing Greece’s AI-driven agribusiness strategy, backed by €145 million in EU funding. “Greece is no longer just a scenic destination—it’s an innovation hub with access to European and MENA markets,” he proclaimed.

However, the path to digital transformation isn’t without hurdles. Prof. Fabrizio Dughiero of the University of Padova outlined the barriers SMEs face: high costs, lack of expertise, and AI hesitancy. His solution? “Competence centers and public-private partnerships are the bridges SMEs need to cross the digital divide.”

Peter Pal Mogyorósi, CEO of LC Innoconsult, tackled the elephant in the room: the fear of AI replacing jobs. “AI isn’t here to take your job—it’s here to take your business to the next level,” he quipped. He stressed the need for sector-specific AI integration, robust IP protection, and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible innovation.

Sonia Fernandez Maas of AMEC echoed this sentiment, highlighting AI’s role in performance monitoring and industrial modernization. “Collaboration is key,” she said. “Cluster development can unlock unprecedented innovation.”

The session’s standout moment came from Suresh Sharma of Open Range Capital Partners, who shared an inspiring tale of producing ventilators in a remote village. “Innovation doesn’t need skyscrapers or billion-dollar labs,” he said. “It needs vision, grit, and grassroots action.”

The road ahead: SMEs as catalysts for change

As the summit drew to a close, one theme reverberated through every session: SMEs are the engines of economic transformation, but they cannot thrive in isolation. Whether through trust-building in investment ecosystems, modernizing B2B strategies, or harnessing Islamic finance for agribusiness, the solutions are within reach.

The call to action was unanimous—governments, investors, and entrepreneurs must collaborate to create environments where SMEs can flourish. In the words of Francesco Bonfiglio, “The future isn’t something we enter; it’s something we create.” For SMEs worldwide, that future is brimming with promise.