CASE STUDIES
Rowad Bidaya
Entrepreneurs often begin their journey with passion, creativity, and ambition but struggle when it comes to financial management. Recognizing this, Rowad, a CSR initiative by SEDCO Holding, partnered with Kashida to create Rowad Bidaya, an interactive, practical training
The program is designed not only for aspiring entrepreneurs with ideas in mind, but also for individuals with no prior financial background who are passionate about turning their interests into a sustainable business.
Launched first in Arabic in 2016 and later expanded into English in 2024, Rowad Bidaya equips learners with the financial literacy they need to build sustainable businesses, and its success was recognized internationally when it won Gold at the Learning Technologies Awards for Best Learning Technologies Project for the Public and Non-Profit Sector.
SERVICES USED:
Learning Experience Design, Learning Production, Script Writing & Editing, Interactive Object Development, Assessments & Certification, UX/UI
INDUSTRY:
eLearning & Entrepreneurship Development
KEY INFORMATION_
Building Financial Confidence for Entrepreneurs _
Across the region, many aspiring entrepreneurs bring strong ideas and technical expertise to the table but face one recurring obstacle, which is financial literacy.
Preparing feasibility studies, managing cash flow, and securing funding can seem overwhelming, often discouraging startups before they gain momentum.
Rowad saw the urgent need for a program that would bridge this gap. They wanted training that wasn’t just theoretical but truly actionable.
The program needed to:
- Simplify complex concepts into easy-to-apply lessons.
- Reflect regional realities by including Islamic finance.
- Be modular and flexible, so learners can learn at their own pace.
- Provide entrepreneurs with tools they could use immediately in their businesses.
Turning Vision into Learning Experiences _
To deliver this ambitious project, Rowad partnered with Kashida to design and produce Rowad Bidaya. The goal is to transform intimidating financial concepts into an accessible, engaging learning journey.
The program combined multiple learning approaches to keep entrepreneurs motivated and supported, including:
- Expert-led video content: explaining core financial principles in plain language.
- Interactive SCORM activities: simulating real-world entrepreneurial scenarios.
- Specialized modules on Islamic finance: covering Musharakah, Mudarabah, Murabaha, Ijara, Salam, Istisna, and Al-Qard Al-Hassan.
- Hands-on Excel templates: for creating feasibility studies and financial reports.
- Continuous assessments: embedded throughout, plus module-end tests.
- Certificates of Completion: as formal recognition of learners’ achievements.
The program concluded by reinforcing the entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on resilience, separating personal and business accounts, managing stakeholder relationships, and building confidence in investor pitching.
Impact That Extends Beyond the Screen_
Rowad Bidaya quickly became more than just a course; it grew into a key pillar of Rowad’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Its reach and results highlight its value:
- Award-Winning Excellence: Achieved Gold at the Learning Technologies Awards for Best Learning Technologies Project for the Public and Non-Profit Sector, recognizing its innovation and social impact.
- Adopted Nationwide: The content was adapted into face-to-face trainings and conferences in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha, and Al-Ahsa, making the learning even more accessible.
- High Learner Engagement: Surveys revealed outstanding ratings for content quality and real-world relevance.
- Over 16,000 Enrollments Online: Demonstrating strong demand and trust in the program.
- Bilingual Learning: Available in both Arabic and English, reaching diverse audiences across the Kingdom and beyond.
- Practical Application: Learners consistently praised the interactive tools and templates for turning knowledge into practice.
- Aligned with Vision 2030: By equipping entrepreneurs with financial skills, the program contributes directly to Saudi Arabia’s goals of economic diversification and youth empowerment.
Lasting Change for Entrepreneurs_
What began as a solution to a pressing challenge has become a long-term driver of entrepreneurial success in Saudi Arabia. By partnering with Kashida, Rowad ensured that Rowad Bidaya was more than just an online course; it became a transformative experience, enabling entrepreneurs to build stronger, more sustainable businesses and shaping the future of the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial landscape.
