QDB executives among others during the launch of SME Toolkit in Doha
By Pratap John/Chief Business Reporter
In a major initiative aimed at building capacity of small and medium enterprises, Qatar Development Bank has launched “SME Toolkit”, an online platform that helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country learn sustainable business management practices, access finance, and enter new markets.
QDB launched the online platform in association with International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, and with IBM support.
QDB unveiled the “localised and freely available” version of IFC’s SME Toolkit web platform in Qatar in both English and Arabic.
The platform offers entrepreneurs round-the-clock access to expert information, interactive tools and educational resources to help them implement sound business management practices, access finance, and enter new markets.
Available at qatar.smetoolkit.org, it supports Qatar National Vision 2030, whose goals include enabling the private sector and enhancing its national contribution, especially outside of the hydrocarbon sector, as part of diversifying the economy away from oil and gas.
According to the IFC, the SME Toolkit uses the latest information and communication technologies to help small and medium enterprises in emerging markets learn sustainable business management practices.
The SME Toolkit consists of four major components - an easy-to-use web and CD-ROM interface that allows users to search or browse to locate the content they need; a large set of best-of-breed small business content, content management tool that allows partners to manage the website locally; and a business training curriculum for business development service providers and SMEs.
Speaking at the recent launch ceremony, Qatar Development Bank Chief Executive Officer Mansoor E al- Mahmoud said: “We are delighted to launch the Qatari version of SME toolkit in co-operation with IFC and support from IBM. SMEs all over the world and particularly in developing economies face challenges to access relevant information to make sound business decisions. We envisage that this toolkit will serve as online one-stop shop for private sector enterprises and entrepreneurs in Qatar to access relevant, up-to-date information to start, manage and grow their businesses.
“This toolkit, which has been customised with locally relevant content to serve the needs and requirements of the country’s private sector enterprises, will be implemented through various Qatari institutions and organisations engaged in the development and promotion of private sector SMEs, locally. This toolkit is yet another milestone for all of us, as part of our commitment to promote the private sector ecosystem in the country”
QDB executive director (strategic development and planning) Abdulaziz al-Khalifa said: “The SME Toolkit is the single-window solution to access information about initiating, managing and developing enterprises.”
The global version of IFC’s SME Toolkit was launched in 2002 and is available in some 32 countries and 18 languages. Its various websites worldwide receive a combined 5mn visitors annually. In many places it is the largest online business support resource in the local language.
“Smaller businesses are a vital part of all economies in this region,” said IFC Regional Director (Middle East and North Africa) Mouayed Makhlouf.
“This toolkit will give them the support and knowhow they need to grow and create jobs, helping drive economic growth.”
In 2006, the IFC partnered with IBM to strengthen and expand the SME Toolkit’s capabilities.
“We are proud of our co-operation with IFC and Qatar Development Bank in developing the SME Toolkit which will very much help small and medium enterprises,” said Nadim Nakkash IBM territory manager (Qatar).