Lifestyle
Across our region, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are driving innovation, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of our economy. At Bank al Etihad, we've always believed in nurturing this entrepreneurial spirit, and for a decade, our annual SME Award has been a testament to this commitment.
This year marked a major milestone: our 10th edition! To celebrate a decade of dedication and to foster an even more inclusive ecosystem, we introduced a new and expanded format. For the first time, participation was open to all SMEs and startups, recognising the unique journeys and needs of businesses at different stages of growth. The total prize fund was divided, with 35,000 JOD awarded to the winning SME and 15,000 JOD to the winning startup.
In this edition, we aimed to honour companies that are not only building successful businesses but also driving meaningful change, whether through groundbreaking technology, greener practices, or impactful social contributions. Out of more than 180 applications from across Jordan, 6 companies made it to the final round.
Our SME finalists
Tops Chocolate
Since 2011, Tops Chocolate has been on a mission to craft high-quality chocolates and sweets that meet diverse tastes and market needs. With a strong focus on innovation and a deep understanding of consumer trends, the company has grown into a competitive player serving markets around the world.
Tops Chocolate continues to adapt by offering speciality products such as low-calorie and sugar-free chocolates made with maltitol, as well as vitamin-enriched options that combine health and indulgence. Looking ahead, Tops Chocolate aims to expand its research and development efforts and strengthen collaborations with universities and private businesses to introduce socially conscious products that bring innovation and purpose together.
Virtual Creative Technologies
In high-risk industries, ensuring worker safety while maintaining productivity can be challenging. Virtual Creative Technologies (VCT) was founded to address this by transforming how safety and efficiency are managed through advanced hardware and software solutions. Its flagship product, VCT InSite, is a comprehensive safety and productivity management system.
VCT InSite integrates health monitoring (including vital signs and fatigue detection) with precise location tracking and checks for personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance. Its built-in speaker and vibration feedback system provide instant alerts, while an emergency SOS feature enables rapid response when needed. Through a live dashboard that tracks safety data and rule compliance in real time, VCT InSite helps companies create safer, smarter, and more productive workplaces where every worker is protected.
Diken Delivery
The growing gig economy offers flexibility but also presents unique challenges for delivery riders. Founded in 2019, Diken Delivery set out to improve this experience through innovative solutions and a strong sense of community. Starting with just 20 scooters, the company has grown into a fleet of more than 6,000 riders operating across 10 governorates and partnering with major companies like Talabat and Careem.
Diken Delivery stands out by offering flexibility across multiple vehicle types, including cars, bikes, scooters, and e-scooters, as well as financing options that make work accessible to more people. Beyond logistics, the company invests in community-building through local events and mentoring programs while also advancing sustainability by equipping riders with technology that helps reduce their carbon footprint.
Our startup finalists
Ablers
In a world where talent often goes unrecognised due to societal barriers, Ablers emerged in 2023 with a clear mission: to promote economic empowerment and inclusion for people with disabilities. Recognising the significant challenges many individuals face in education, employment, and social integration, Ablers is dedicated to removing these barriers.
Through a comprehensive approach, the company provides full support—from tailored capacity-building programs and inclusive hiring consultations to job placements and on-the-job support. Ablers actively fosters a culture of inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that every individual’s talents and perspectives are valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Jawlah for Recycling
The fashion industry leaves behind a large environmental footprint in the form of fabric waste. Committed to turning this challenge into a sustainable opportunity, Jawlah for Recycling focuses on collecting and processing textile scraps from clothing factories across Jordan.
Their process transforms textile waste into insulation materials, fibers, felt, and nonwoven fabrics that are later used in industries such as furniture and automotive manufacturing. Beyond its environmental mission, Jawlah is also a strong economic and social driver, creating hundreds of direct and thousands of indirect job opportunities, supporting local industries, and providing affordable raw materials.
OrganicG
With rising fertiliser prices and growing concerns over the impact of chemical farming, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has never been greater. Founded in 2022, OrganicG was created to meet this need, guided by a vision to deliver safe, organic, and lasting alternatives that benefit both farmers and the environment.
After extensive research and testing, the company successfully developed a range of effective organic fertilisers that have earned farmers’ trust and satisfaction. Using waste as its primary raw material, OrganicG ensures efficient, cost-effective production while contributing to circularity. Its product range includes vermicompost, bokashi bran, indoor composters, fish amino acid, worm tea extract, EM.1, and natural horticultural soaps.
Beyond products, OrganicG offers services such as pesticide and fertiliser spraying, waste management consulting, and training to help farmers transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.
The winners
The competition in both categories was fierce, and the judges had a tough task. Each finalist presented a compelling vision and showed great potential.
Applications were evaluated based on 4 key areas: financial strength, business continuity and growth, creativity, and social and environmental impact.
After much deliberation, the independent panel of judges selected the winners of the Bank al Etihad 10th SME Award. The SME category winner was Virtual Creative Technologies, and the startup category winner was Jawlah for Recycling.
Bank al Etihad is proud to recognise all our finalists and, of course, our deserving winners. We are also proud to support this vibrant ecosystem in Jordan and look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of these businesses.
