Entrepreneurs and managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar are set to receive a major boost with the launch of Enterprise Qatar’s (EQ) core skills programme (CSP), aimed at imparting essential business skills to them.
The programme, which is subsidised by EQ, allows SME owners and managers to access professional advisory services previously beyond their financial capabilities. EQ has committed to subsidise up to 70% of the costs and has partnered with leading international training firms and educational institutions.
The programme has been developed using EQ’s knowledge of the Qatari SME market and includes four specialised courses on time management, finance for non-financial, customer service and marketing strategy.
The first course, on time management, recently took place at the College of North Atlantic, Qatar. Other courses will take place over the coming months and will conclude on June 12.
“EQ works closely with Qatari SMEs to provide them with a range of support services to help them succeed through a series of specialised training. 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,” EQ chief executive officer Noora al-Mannai said.
Specialised training programmes are among the most important factors to build internal capacity and thus increase productivity levels.
“The CSP 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,” she said.