Sasol and Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Guidance have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-operate in providing technical support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development in the chemical, energy and related sectors in Qatar.

Saleh al-Khualifi, head of Bedaya Centre, said: “The entrepreneurial spirit is making a comeback with the next generation in Qatar and the region. We welcome Sasol’s collaboration with Bedaya Centre to support SMEs in Qatar with their technical know-how and experience in the chemical and energy sectors. This is a great example of giving back to the community and supporting the diversification of the local economy.”

Marjo Louw, president of Sasol Qatar, said: “Sasol is pleased to support entrepreneurship in Qatar through this partnership with Bedaya Centre. Small firms are the backbone of a flourishing and diverse economy. It is in our company’s heritage to support the communities in which we operate, from our native South Africa to here in Qatar. Through our JV with Qatar Petroleum - Oryx GTL - and community partnerships, we are proud to make a positive mark in Qatar today and in the
future.”

“I am happy to have the opportunity and privilege to be guided by Bedaya Centre and receive technical support from Sasol. The support for me and my partner Nora al-Thani started from the feasibility studies phase of our project,” said Fatima al-Mohannadi, a young entrepreneur benefiting from the partnership.

The MoU with Bedaya Centre builds on Sasol’s support for Enterprise Qatar’s Al Fikra initiative last month. Sasol lent its support as the technology partner for the 2013 National Business Plan
Competition.

Under the MoU, Bedaya Centre will identify and refer entrepreneurs and SMEs that it believes will benefit from technical business support to be offered by Sasol. The selected projects will be in the chemical, energy and related sectors.

Sasol will impart its SME development experience, knowledge, best practices to the SMEs. In turn, Bedaya will provide business support to the entrepreneurs, including business plans, feasibility studies, market analysis, marketing strategy and operational plans.

Bedaya Centre is a non-governmental organisation with a mission to connect people in the 18-30 age group with enterprise and financing opportunities.