Doha, Qatar, 11 October 2016

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) launched its multi-service support center, One Stop Shop, to cater to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at partner Qatar Business Incubation Centers (QBIC) premises on 11 October 2016. In order to develop a resource center with all the necessary services that are needed by the SME community under one roof, QDB coordinated with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Ministry of Energy & Industry (MEI), Qatar National Bank (QNB), Ooredoo and Qatar Postal Services Company (QPost) for the launch of the One Stop Shop. This move comes in line with QDBs efforts to make its resources readily available to entrepreneurs and be physically approachable by the growing SME community in Qatar.

With the opening of the new multi-service support center, entrepreneurs and SME owners may now avail many developmental resources in a single location, such as a wide range of QDBs products and services to support the growth of SMEs. For instance, through this resource center, QDB can now facilitate SMEs in meeting the official procedures of governmental and non-governmental bodies. The One Stop Shop has full-service offices for Qatari ministries and government departments that support SMEs.

Our One Stop Shop solution for the SME community is consistent with our objectives at QDB to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and support the ongoing economic diversification of Qatar, said Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), QDB. By bringing together the most commonly-sought business resources under one roof, QDB and QBIC aim to stimulate the private sector marketplace by facilitating the entry of new participants. Furthermore, this center will also prove to be an asset for the start-ups in incubation at QBIC. It is our firm conviction that with the creation of such infrastructure, the SMEs and the private sector across Qatar will be able to participate more fully and dynamically in the nations growing economy.

Interested entrepreneurs may also approach QDB officials at the multi-service support center for advice on issues concerning the SME community and guidance on local procedures for obtaining licensing and permissions to provide new services. To facilitate queries regarding the acquisition of licensing, permits and other information, a user-friendly hotline at 44300000 has been installed. A key role of the latest One Stop Shop branch is to provide client aftercare, whereby QDBs staff follows up with entrepreneurs and SMEs to ensure they are well-supported.

The launch of One Stop Shop is the latest in a series of initiatives through which QDB seeks to simplify the entry route for new companies, which focus on technology and operate on eco-friendly business plans, to join the market.

Its partner for the multi-service support center, QBIC, is a business incubation center that provides support services to help entrepreneurs and companies that wish to develop their new business concepts or grow their existing operations.

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About Qatar Development Bank (QDB)
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) was established in 1997 as the Qatar Industrial Development Bank, a 100% government-owned developmental organization. Its primary aim was to develop investments within local industries, thereby accelerating growth and economic diversification in Qatar through support for private sector. Between 1997 and 2005, the bank expanded its portfolio, diversifying from its industrial base to include support and guidance for a range of non-industrial sectors identified as key to the development of Qatar. Shortly afterwards in 2006, the bank revisited its mission statement to reflect the successful completion of its new strategic objective and changed its name to Qatar Development Bank. In 2008, The State of Qatar, QDB 's sole shareholder, increased the bank's capital from 200 million to 10 billion riyals in 2008. Since that time, and reflecting the expansion of its mission and financial assets, QDB has launched a considerable number of strategic initiatives and programs, all designed to directly contribute to the economic growth and development of Qatar.

QDB 's strategy is entirely in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. It is focused on promoting and facilitating the growth of the private sector in Qatar within key economic channels. In turn, this support will enable the development of long term, sustainable social and economic benefits across the economy.

Aside from offering financial support, Qatar Development Bank is tasked with promoting entrepreneurship in the private sector, facilitating the development of key economic sectors through the provision of capital and advisory services. QDB has also launched several initiatives, including Al Dhameen program, an indirect loan facility to guarantee commercial bank loans to private sector companies, in collaboration with other banks and financial institutions. QDB 's export arm " TASDEER" program was created to develop and promote exports from Qatar, providing export credit guarantees in addition to financial products and solutions designed to mitigate the risks imposed on local exporters. The bank also provides consulting services in business development to help entrepreneurs to prepare for business. This will include feasibility studies, the conduct of market research and the selection of appropriate techniques; fundamentally helping to develop the capabilities of SME owners to enhance and refine their skills in the market and establish strong ties with financial and non-financial support entities.

About QBIC
Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) is one of the largest specialized mixed-use business incubators in the MENA region. QBIC empowers committed entrepreneurs to start and grow companies by incubating, developing, connecting and investing, and QBIC is dedicated to the long-term success of entrepreneurs.

QBIC is founded by two of the leading entrepreneurship institutes in Qatar: Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and the Social Development Center (SDC). With a mission to develop the next QAR 100 million companies in Qatar, QBIC is working to unify efforts with key entities in Qatar to develop SMEs and enhance the private sector.

One of QBICs flagship initiatives is LeanStartup, turning innovative ideas into startup businesses. LeanStartup is a ten-week entrepreneurial program that provides real world, hands-on learning experience on how to successfully start a company.

For more information, please contact
Sarah Mahmoud 
Kalimat
E-mail: sarah@kalimat.qa
Mobile: +974.7402.2174

Press Release 2016