By Zia Khan/Staff Reporter

The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar, it seems, are set to cruise ahead to catch up with energy, construction and hospitality industries with authorities preparing to pump in funds and offer expertise to boost the sector.
The latest among the series of initiatives to support the sector was made yesterday by the Social Development Centre (SDC) announcing to use this year’s proceeds from its annual gala dinner for supporting young Qatari entrepreneurs.
A consortium of four organisations, including the SDC, has in fact launched Qatar’s maiden year-long programme to train, mentor and support entrepreneurs for sustainable and
successful businesses.
Amal al-Mannai, executive director, SDC, said her organisation has chalked out a comprehensive plan to finance small- and medium-sized business with the funds from the main charity event.
The idea, she explained, is to make small businesses able to contribute to the sustainable development of the country by creating new jobs and taking the enterprising spirit of the nation to the next level.
“We want to build human capital for the future …This will bring real change in the lives of Qataris,” she remarked.
SDC’s pledge has come within a fortnight of Qatari trade authorities announcing they were contemplating proposals to help promote SMEs including one to encourage state corporations buy products manufactured by local
manufacturers.
Experts believe the scope and potential for such ventures would be manifold compared to the past because of an anticipated surge in country’s population in the run-up to FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Al-Mannai said the funds collected at the eighth gala dinner for which a date would be announced later are planned to be utilised for centre’s three flagship programmes — RASAMEEL, Tanmiya and Badr…Wa Int Gadr — each aimed at supporting individual and family entrepreneurs with finances and expertise.
One major part of the programmes would be to provide counselling, technical support and money in establishing the business. SDC has put in place a follow-up monitoring mechanism to make sure that the receipts of its finances could actually deliver on the purpose of creating jobs and bolstering
entrepreneurship.
First held in 1999 as an all women gathering with the theme of Qatari’s marriages, this year’s gala dinner will focus on Brazilian and South American life and culture.
“One of the main reasons behind choosing theme is the immense pride that Qatar and Brazil have in their traditions, cultural heritage, and strong family values, which serves as a common ground for this upcoming event,” al-Mannai
explained.
Official sponsor ExxonMobil’s president and managing director Bart Cahir said his company takes pride in being a partner of such a prestigious gathering for a cause.
“We at the ExxonMobil are proud to deliver this year’s gala dinner alongside the SDC. By hosting events like this to raise awareness around its initiatives, as the centre continues to pioneer efforts that help foster effective social and human development in Qatar,”
Cahir added.