By Sachin Kumar
DOHA: The success of Qatari companies will now inspire budding entrepreneurs in Qatar. Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) is set to launch a new programme for entrepreneurs that will have success stories of local companies such as Qatar Airways and Ooredoo. The programme is expected to be launched in 2016.
“We have prepared a very unique programme for innovation and entrepreneurship. We have reviewed most of the programmes being offered for entrepreneurship and innovation and have identified few gaps that were there. We have tried to fill these gaps,” Dr Abdulaziz Al Horr (pictured), CEO of QFBA told The Peninsula on the sidelines of a conference recently.
“The uniqueness of our programme that it’s not theoretical. It is very relevant and authentic programme in terms of case studies, examples and exercises. It is not only about Apple, Microsoft or Apple, it is about local context. We have includes case studies of local companies such as Qatar Airways and Ooredoo in our programme,” said Dr Al Horr.
Along with local companies, the new programme will also have case studies of companies from GCC countries such as Al Marai. The new programme has already been endorsed by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) that has paved way for its launch.
“Our programme has been endorsed and approved by QDB. So, soon we will be partnering with QDB to launch a programme for the future entrepreneurs,” he said.
In orders to make this programme more effective, QFBA has decided to involve entrepreneurs in training and coaching. “One of the unique aspects of our programme is that it involves real entrepreneurs who are going through the system.
“It is not only trainers and facilitators doing the programme, it is involving them (entrepreneurs) because a student can explain to student, a doctor can explain to doctor and an entrepreneur to entrepreneur,” said Dr Al Horr.
“There is no one size fits all when it comes to entrepreneurship, therefore we built in the coaching element in the programme to respond to this individual need at the level of the idea and the level of leadership and management,” he added.
QFBA is aiming to become Center of Excellence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The academy has signed agreement with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to provide training to profession in the field of public finance.
The Peninsula
