Qatari SMEs to benefit from new business skills learning with Enterprise Qatar's Core Skills programme that is subsidized by 70%

Doha, Qatar 22 May 2013

Entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs in Qatar are set for a major boost with a new opportunity to master essential business skills with the launch of Enterprise Qatar's ( "EQ" ) Core Skills Programme.

The programme, which is heavily subsidized by EQ, allows SME owners and managers to access professional advisory services hitherto beyond their financial capabilities. EQ has committed to subsidise up to 70 percent of the costs and has partnered with leading international training firms and educational institutions to deliver the training.

Noora Al-Mannai, CEO of Enterprise Qatar, commented that the Core Skills Programme is a ground breaking effort to raise the ability of SMEs in Qatar to improve their services and operations, compete more effectively and thus achieve higher profitability rates.

"EQ works closely with Qatari SMEs to provide them with a range of support services to help them succeed through providing a series of specialized training courses. SMEs have fewer resources to build their teams' skills, and lack of trained personnel hinders them from landing more business, in addition to high turnover rates. Specialized training programs are among the most important factors to build internal capacity and thus increase productivity levels. Local companies are usually faced with challenges such as lack of specialized trainings or the relatively high costs of such programs and thus can't afford to provide their management teams with the necessary training they need, unlike established companies and internationals corporations" she explained.

Al Mannai also added: "The Core Skills Programme addresses this need, and will have an immediate impact on the companies that participate. This will be the first time that many SMEs will be able to afford expert training and I encourage all owners and managers to take advantage of this opportunity".

The programme has been developed using EQ's knowledge of the Qatari SME market and its needs to include four specialised courses. These include time management, finance for non-financial, customer service and marketing strategy.

The first course, on time management, took place on the 21^st of May at the College of the North Atlantic, Qatar ("CNAQ"). Other courses will take place over the coming month and will conclude on June 12th.

SME owners and managers interested in enrolling are encouraged to visit the EQ website where course description and other details can be found: www.eq.gov.qa

Courses will be conducted in English at CNAQ, building 12, 2nd floor, room number 12.2.10. 

-Ends-

About Enterprise Qatar:
Enterprise Qatar ("EQ") was established to create a supportive business environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar - enhancing successes and reducing risks. Its stakeholders are government and financial institutions, private sector organizations and public sector entities. EQ aims to contribute to the goals of the Qatar Vision 2030 with a flourishing SME sector as the backbone of a dynamic, diversified and expanding economy. In this vision, business owners and entrepreneurs are vital to the nation as generators of affluence and opportunity. As Qatar values and respects future businesspeople, so today we must provide them with easy, affordable access to the support they need to make their intentions into reality. To achieve this, EQ offers a full range of world-class services delivered in partnership with Qatar's leading educational institutions and recognized experts to provide guidance and resources in business administration and financial facilities, influence on regulatory policy, learning and development opportunities, research, and strategy for innovative business.

© Press Release 2013