DOHA: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Company ‘Enterprise Qatar’ is now offering a new SME Rating & Accreditation Programme to assist entrepreneurs and SMEs to capitalise on contracting opportunities and in improving their business processes. The SME Rating and Accreditation will be an independent certification issued by Enterprise Qatar in collaboration with Dun & Bradstreet.
Through the implementation of the new programme, Enterprise Qatar aims to help SMEs gain access to government, semi-government and private business opportunities.
Through the rating process, SMEs will also be able to understand internal gaps and challenges related to their business and institute required improvements, enhancements and interventions to enhance their business performance, requisitely supported by EQ through its suite of programs
Commenting on the new programme, Omran Hamad Al Kuwari, Enterprise Qatar’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are very excited about this programme, which is one of the cornerstones of EQ’s support to SMEs. We encourage all SMEs to apply, as we are in advanced discussions with key Government and non-government companies, as well as financial institutions that are committed to supporting Qatari SMEs and are willing to provide services to rated companies as well as access a growing segment of the business community. This also facilitates the process for all parties involved as it provides a database of rated SMEs by sectors. Enterprise Qatar is pleased to team up with Dun & Bradstreet to offer small business owners this useful Ratings & Accreditation programme.”
AbdulBasit Al Ajji, Manager of the SPX Department at Enterprise Qatar, said: “Local SMEs should take full advantage of Enterprise Qatar’s latest programme in order to diagnose their company’s financial and business health.”
SMEs applying for the programme, will undergo a comprehensive assessment on all aspects of the business including financial performance, , quality of management, business model efficiency and efficacy, and market potential. The rating process would include submission of data by the applicant followed by the site visit and detailed interaction with management. Prashant Kumar, Associate Director at Dun & Bradstreet, mentioned Rating and Accreditation is a key step in the development of a vibrant SME eco-system. DD&B offers Rating services in more than 200 countries across the world.
The Peninsula
