Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, a joint initiative by Qatar Development Bank and Silatech, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry conducted a workshop on “How to start your home-based business”.
Aligned with the current circumstances and in line with the precautionary measures adopted to limit the spread of the Novel Corona Virus (Covid-19), the workshop was live streamed.
During the workshop, Ayed al-Qahtani representing the Ministry of Commerce & Industry gave a detailed overview on all needed steps to obtain a license for home-based business based on the general requirements determined by the Ministry for granting these licenses.
In his presentation al-Qahtani explained that all applicants who wish to avail of home-based business license must be at least 18 years old, and that he/she should be a resident of the house. Similarly, the business to be licensed must be among the activities whose operational nature is in compliance with the residential environment, obtaining the necessary approvals for practising the business from the concerned parties, providing a building completion certificate, and obtaining a Civil Defence clearance certificate in the case of food business.
Al-Qahtani clarified that all applications can be submitted electronically through the ministry's website by filling out the form designated for that, or paper submission by visiting the main building of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry located in Lusail city.
Another feature of the workshop was aimed at helping entrepreneurs to manage their home projects by introducing them to the right set of tools to ensure the success of their project.
In this session, potential entrepreneurs were briefed on how to utilise marketing strategies through social media platforms and the need to adhere to delivery dates, and set prices that suit all segments of society, in addition to obtaining the right equipment needed for their business.
Speaking about the workshop, Abdulla Faleh al Saeed - Board Member and acting general manager, Bedaya Center said, “This workshop comes in support of the endeavours pursued by Bedaya Center and in line with the efforts conducted by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to support home based business through better understanding on all related aspects concerning this sector such as the legal and the regulatory sides. In addition, the workshop provided us the opportunity to attract more young people to enter the world of entrepreneurship, which will ultimately support and strengthen the local economy and its diversification”.
“Through this workshop, which was ably conducted with the help of Mr. Ayed Al-Qahtani, we succeeded in addressing all queries of those wishing to start their home-based business and join the ranks of entrepreneurs as they had a comprehensive idea on how to start their projects, in addition to avoiding many difficulties and requirements that were burdens for them, such as high rents and utility bills.” he added.