Amman, Jordan #201 Position in Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking

Startup Ecosystem in Amman, Jordan 🚀

TL;DR

Amman ranks as the 201st city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and growing tech scene, Amman offers a supportive ecosystem for startups, particularly in sectors like fintech and technology.

---

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

• Business Registration: Procedures are relatively straightforward, with online registration available.
• Startup Incentives: Government initiatives aim to simplify processes and reduce costs for tech startups.

2. Employment Law 🏢

• Labor Regulations: Comprehensive employee protection laws exist, but compliance can be challenging for small startups.
• Hiring Foreign Talent: Streamlined processes are available for acquiring work permits for foreign employees.

3. Taxation 💰

• Corporate Tax Rate: Standard rate around 20%, with potential reductions and incentives for startups focusing on specific industries.
• VAT Regulations: Competitive rates, particularly beneficial for technology and service sectors.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

• Living Standards: Moderate quality of life, with a reasonable cost of living relative to other regional cities.
• Culture and Leisure: Rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and numerous parks and recreational areas.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

• Ease of Navigation: While generally manageable, navigating certain permits can still be time-consuming.
• Government Support: Various programs are aimed at boosting innovation and easing the bureaucracy for startups.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

• Startup Visas & Permits: Foreign entrepreneurs can find relative ease in acquiring business visas.
• Residency Options: Long-term residency options available for qualifying entrepreneurs, particularly those willing to invest.

---

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

• Numerous events, hackathons, and conferences foster connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations.
• Regularly held competitions that attract local and international attention.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

• Strong government incentives and a growing number of venture capital firms focused on Jordan.
• Availability of grants and support from international organizations to kickstart tech-based ventures.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

• Investments: An emerging local VC community is actively investing in startups, particularly in fintech and tech.
• Major Firms: A mix of both local and international VCs facilitate a range of investment options.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

• A diversified range of incubators tailored to various industries, including tech, health, and education.
• Programs often include mentorship, funding, and co-working spaces.

---

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

• Focus Areas: Fintech, edtech, health tech, and e-commerce.
• Government Initiatives: Strong focus on tech-driven economic development, with increasing emphasis on innovation.

---

Business Culture 🏙️

• Language: Arabic is the primary business language; English is widely spoken in business circles.
• Work Environment: Collaborative and open, with a strong community focus on mentorship and networking.

---

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

• Active government support for startups and entrepreneurs.
• A vibrant network of incubators and accelerators.
• Emerging VC presence, providing more funding opportunities.

Cons:

• Some bureaucratic challenges persist in registration and compliance.
• Limited access to resources compared to larger global startup hubs.

---

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

• Increasing number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting female entrepreneurship.
• Dedicated networking events to support and fund women-led startups.

---

Amman offers an optimal environment for entrepreneurs looking to build and expand their businesses, with a steadily growing support structure for innovation. 🚀

MeanCEO Index for Amman, Jordan 🚀

Amman is emerging as a notable startup hub, but how does it stand up for female entrepreneurs? Let’s delve into the MeanCEO Index score based on ten critical factors that shape the entrepreneurial environment.

---

1. Weather ☀️

• Score: 5/10
  • Amman enjoys a Mediterranean climate with ample sunny days and moderate winters. Although temperatures can drop, the pleasant weather encourages outdoor networking most of the year.

2. Location 🏖️

• Score: 3/10
  • While Amman is nicht located near an ocean or sea, it does have access to the Dead Sea. However, easy beach access is limited, making it less favorable for those craving coastal relaxation.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

• Score: 4/10
  • Although there is a growing support system for women in business, cultural norms still present challenges. The environment is improving, but patriarchal attitudes can restrict opportunities for women.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

• Score: 6/10
  • Amman is generally welcoming to foreigners, offering a hospitable culture. However, building genuine friendships may take time, and experiences can vary depending on individual interactions.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

• Score: 8/10
  • English is widely spoken in business environments, making it quite accessible for international entrepreneurs. This facilitates smoother communication for women looking to establish themselves.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

• Score: 7/10
  • The local cuisine is known for its healthiness and unique flavors; however, it often includes onions. The rich culinary traditions, along with some locally produced wines, contribute to its charm.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

• Score: 4/10
  • The dating scene may be traditional, with potential challenges for international women. Cultural expectations surrounding marriage can complicate personal relationships.

8. Medicine 🏥

• Score: 5/10
  • Healthcare services in Amman are available, but the efficiency and speed of access can vary greatly. Some appointments may take time, but costs tend to be reasonable.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

• Score: 6/10
  • Public transport exists but isn’t extensive. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available, and the airport facilitates international travel, even if local transportation can be hit or miss.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

• Score: 7/10
  • The culture is becoming more accepting of failure as a part of the entrepreneurial journey, especially in the tech sector. Emerging VC investment encourages a positive outlook toward innovation and risk-taking.

---

MeanCEO Index Score: 57/100 🎉

Amman is making strides as a viable city for female entrepreneurs, featuring a growing startup community and supportive initiatives. While there are significant challenges to navigate—ranging from cultural norms to bureaucratic hurdles—the city provides a foundation of resources for those willing to embrace the entrepreneurial adventure. With ongoing improvements in gender equality and a focus on innovation, Amman is a city to watch for aspiring women in business! 🚀