qatar small business plan

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Funding programs, government grants, events & networking, essentials toolkit, invest qatar gateway, reports & portals.

Qatar offers a blend of Arabic heritage and modern culture, making it an equally attractive home for investors, expats, and visitors, and a friendly neighbourhood to raise families and build communities.

QDB Business Incubation and Acceleration - Hackathon

Qdb business incubation and acceleration - mini demo day, qdb business incubation and acceleration - demo day.

The news portal highlights the latest insights on Qatar's thriving business ecosystem.

Qatar offers a variety of funding programs to provide financial support and incentives for startups, SMEs, and innovative projects across sectors.

QDB Ithmar (Seed Funding)

Qdb estithmar (sme equity), qdb co-investment, qatar business incubation center - incubation program, qatar business incubation center - acceleration, qatar business incubation center - fintechs (investments in local and global fintech startups), qstp tech venture fund (tvf).

The QSTP Tech Venture Fund (TVF) is a strategic venture capital fund designed to support local innovative startups and attract international startups looking to scale in the region.

The fund provides opportunities for local, regional and international tech founders and entrepreneurs to source seed-stage funding and follow-on capital. Learn More...

Alchemist Doha Program (coming soon)

Alchemist Doha is Alchemist Accelerator’s exclusive regional hub in the MENA region. It is an incubator, an accelerator, and a seed fund - all in one. Startups accepted to Alchemist Doha will be incubated for 24 months, will join the global flagship Alchemist Accelerator program (if they have not already been part of it), and will receive up to $1M in seed equity funding. Startups will also be provided with soft-landing services and assistance to relocate fully or partially to Doha. They will be matched with opportunities for piloting their products and services within the Qatar market. Additionally, the startups will have opportunities to apply for government R&D grants and grants to collaborate with academic institutes and hire local talent from top-tier universities.

Tech Development Grant (TDG) Program

Boost your startup's product development activities with the Tech Development Grant (TDG), which provides substantial co-funding for innovative projects. This grant supports ventures focused on innovative product development and R&D-based process innovation. Capitalize on this opportunity to drive your startup's technological breakthroughs and contribute to Qatar's knowledge-based economy.

Qatar Open Innovation

Qatar Open Innovation provides a collaborative platform for startups to engage in open innovation challenges available by potential government and corporate buyers and co-create market-ready solutions. It allows your startup to connect with industry leaders, access next-gen technologies, and pilot groundbreaking innovations.

Qatar Spain Innovation Program (QASIP)

Leverage the Qatar Spain Innovation Program (QASIP) to access a transnational innovation ecosystem. This program promotes synergies between Qatari and Spanish tech sectors, offering startups based in Qatar opportunities for cross-border collaboration, tech transfer, and market expansion.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Program

Leverage intellectual capital, apply research-driven solutions, and foster a culture of continuous innovation within your startup through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) program. This program offers your startups direct access to research expertise and graduate talent and allows you to integrate cutting-edge scientific research into your innovation pipeline for long-term benefit. Use KTP to support embedding science and innovation talent into your startup to tackle complex innovation challenges.

Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA)

Tap into advanced research capabilities with the Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA). This program offers your new hires or existing team members the opportunity to gain critical R&D skillsets while training in a corporate R&D environment, integrating cutting-edge scientific research into your innovation pipeline. The program provides sponsorships to undertake research-based graduate studies toward master's or doctoral degrees through two tracks: GSRA local and GSRA international.

DIC IdeaCamp

IdeaCamp is a program from the Digital Incubation Center (DIC) for entrepreneurs, developers and designers who have a great idea for a technology solution.. Learn More..

TASMU Accelerator

TASMU Accelerator is fueling the future by enabling tech start-ups to change the world and to enable the digital transformation of Qatar. We’re dedicated to giving visionaries the tools and resources needed to expand their solutions to the Qatari market successfully. By providing an environment to thrive, world-class businesses can help create an impactful future, enriching the lives of Qatar’s citizens, residents, and visitors. Learn More..

Doha Venture Capital (DVC)

DVC is a partner of choice for high-growth disruptive companies, providing capital and access to Qatar’s domestic and global network while ensuring sustainable financial return. Investors in QFZ’s strategic sectors are eligible for capital from DVC to help your business scale-up. Learn More..

Qatar is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, offering a range of government grants to support innovative startups and projects.

QSTP Product Development Fund (PDF)

The Product Development Fund (PDF) is a cost sharing fund wherein QSTP provides up to 50% of the total budget as a grant to encourage local startups and SMEs in the private sector to develop products and services relevant to local market needs.

The fund promotes new high-tech products and services and supports the commercialization of market-ready technologies. Learn More..

QRDI Qatar Open Innovation Grant

Qrdi academic research grant.

Qatar provides a range of incentives and support mechanisms to foster the growth and success of startups beyond financial assistance and include valuable resources and opportunities.

QDB Lean Startup Program- office Space for one year

Qdb lean startup program-coaching, qdb lean startup program-marketing exposure and networking, qstp park & free zone.

QSTP is an ideal environment for companies and entrepreneurs to develop their technology and deliver it to the thriving Middle East marketplace and beyond. QSTP’s reputation as a renowned technology development hub is evident in the many leading international technology companies and research centers that already call it home. Learn More...

DIC Coworking Space

Coworking is changing how we work. At it’s core, coworking occurs when entrepreneurs, and businesses large and small collide in a shared working environment and create synergies. Hot seats, free internet and other facilities. Learn More...

In Qatar, startups benefit from a large ecosystem of support services designed to nurture and enhance their growth.

QSTP Facilities & Services

QSTP is an ideal environment for companies and entrepreneurs to develop their technology and deliver it to the thriving Middle East marketplace and beyond. Fully-furnished, ready-to-occupy offices, meeting rooms, business services and expert advice. Learn More...

MCIT TASMU Digital Valley

Dic services, digital infrastucture, logistics infrastructure and global connectivity, tax regimes.

Qatar hosts a variety of events, conferences, and trade fairs that bring together professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. These gatherings allow startups to showcase their products, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations.

QDB Business Incubation and Acceleration - Quarterly Gatherings

Qfc family business community retreat.

Family Businesses as Stakeholders for Long Term Prosperity, the Retreat encourages dialogue and collaboration between leading family business owners worldwide and offers a trusted environment free from any commercial interest.

The programme is designed by the QFC and Julius Baer, a leading Swiss Wealth Manager.

QSTP Meet the Expert Series

Mcit tasmu accelerator cohort demo day, mcit make the deal.

Qatar has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and development of startups and entrepreneurial ventures. These programs are committed to nurturing innovation, supporting local businesses, and diversifying the local economy.

QDB Lean Startup Program- for early stage tech startups

Qdb lean acceleration program, qdb lean manufacturing program, qstp tech-incubation center.

A launchpad for Qatar’s tech startups to expand their business into new international markets. Learn More...

QSTP Research to Startup (RTS)

Qstp mentorship, qrdi innovation capability building program - government innovation leaders, qrdi innovation capability building program - corporate leadership innovation, mcit tasmu accelerator, digital incubation center (dic), innovation capability building programs, dic startup track.

The Start-up track supports potential entrepreneurs and early-stage tech start-ups that have a market-ready product or prototype. We provide the necessary expertise, services and tools to help these entrepreneurs overcome challenges and make their businesses successful.

Startups Track 1 st year

Growth track 2 nd year.

IdeaCamp is a program from the Digital Incubation Center (DIC) for entrepreneurs, developers and designers who have a great idea for a technology solution.. Learn More...

Step into a realm of endless connections and vibrant possibilities with Events & Networking

SME Toolkit

The Invest Qatar Gateway is an innovative platform that empowers users to identify potential business opportunities, explore essential resources for fostering business expansion in Qatar and connect with the Invest Qatar team to set up and facilitate introductions. Learn More...

Various entities have developed reports on entrepreneurship and innovation in Qatar which serve as valuable insights into the dynamic business landscape.

Explore the below publications:

QRDI Portal

QRDI Portal is your digital nexus for research and development intelligence. This robust platform offers insights into Qatar's collaborative R&D opportunities, scientific research services, infrastructure, and talent. Connect with a network of researchers and innovators and access bespoke tools and resources for your technology and product development needs. Learn More...

Qatar's robust economy is driven by diversification and strategic investments across various sectors.

Access To Funding

Startup Qatar Investment Program

The Startup Qatar Investment Program, provided by QDB, aims to attract tech startups to establish or expand operations in Qatar. The program offers funding for both seed and growth stage companies, alongside incentives and support services in line with the available Startup Qatar-offered incentives and subsidies.

Up to $500 Thousand to START

Up to $5 Million to GROW

Qatar Financial Centre

Qatar financial centre; your gateway to grow your business in qatar and beyond.

Join our vibrant business platform with a community comprising more than 2,000 firms and enjoy:

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of profits
• Competitive tax system
• World-class judicial system based on english common law
• Trading in any currency

With QFC, you can accelerate business growth in the region, while becoming part of Qatar’s swift expansion into a major trade and investment hub.

Startup Wizard

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Collaborators

Dynamic contributors.

Dynamic contributors actively involved in collective initiatives,fostering collaboration and shared goals.

Qatar Development Bank

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) is a fully owned government financial entity set up by an Emiri Decree to invest in and develop local industries by supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar. QDB realigned its strategy to that of Qatar National Vision 2030 to promote and facilitate the development and growth of SMEs in core economic sectors that will result in long-term socio-economic benefits to the people of Qatar.

In addition to providing financial assistance, the banks’ other main focus is to provide advisory support and guidance to SMEs on how to start up, grow and expand their activities, with the aim of developing a sustainable economy. QDB recently launched an added service under TASDEER or Qatar Export Development Agency (QEDA) to provide export financing and business development and promotion support to Qatar based SME exporters.

Companies Registered

Internationally invested, the digital incubation center (dic).

The Digital Incubation Center (DIC) was created to boost ICT innovation in Qatar, particularly among young people at the critical early stages of starting or growing a technology-related business.

205.4 M QAR

TASMU Accelerator is fueling the future by enabling tech start-ups to change the world and to enable the digital transformation of Qatar. We’re dedicated to giving visionaries the tools and resources needed to expand their solutions to the Qatari market successfully. By providing an environment to thrive, world-class businesses can help create an impactful future, enriching the lives of Qatar’s citizens, residents, and visitors.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ)

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) offers unparalleled benefits; from bespoke property solutions to smart technology.Qatar Free Zones are made up of two free zones, Ras Bufontas, the airport free zone, is connected to the award-winning Hamad International Airport, and Umm Al Houl, the sea port free zone, sits next to the world’s newest greenfield deep-seaport.

Media City Qatar

Media City Qatar is an emerging, collaborative hub for media companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, creative talent, and a regional leader in the media industry, contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification.

Qatar Business Incubation Center

QBIC is a unique mixed-use business incubation center and the largest of its kind in the MENA region. QBIC provides support services to help entrepreneurs and companies who either have an idea to start a business or want to grow an existing business. At QBIC we are 'Developing the Next Wave of Pioneering Startups and Entrepreneurs in Qatar'.

We incubate, develop, invest in and connect entrepreneurs. Whether you’re starting with just an idea or looking for ways to grow, we are committed to your long-term success and offer a wide range of solutions and resources to help you start and grow an innovative, viable business in Qatar.

Qatar Fintech Hub

QFTH brings together talented entrepreneurs, investors and enablers to develop disruptive technologies so that great visions become reality. Be part of our globally interconnected cluster, which brings together a vibrant community of FinTech entrepreneurs, industry experts, regulators and investors.

Whether you are physically at the heart of QFTH experiencing the energy or whether you are accessing the hub remotely, your business ideas will get the stimulus they need to achieve their potential through our capital investment fund.

Ooredoo Digital & Beyond Incubator

Digital & Beyond is a specialised incubator dedicated to the development and acceleration of promising technology-focused startups and SMEs based in Qatar and fast-growing tech businesses looking to soft-land in Qatar. Established by Ooredoo in partnership with QBIC, Digital & Beyond aims to empower the next generation of innovative businesses in Qatar and attract scaling success stories to Qatar, via a holistic range of support and funding solutions.

Powered by Ooredoo and delivered by Qatar Business Incubation Center, the Digital & Beyond incubator is the optimum vehicle to take your business to the next level, with proven developmental programs, expert coaches, support services and funding solutions.

Calling visionary startups to shape the future of digital services, seamless customer engagement, and optimised business operations via digital technologies in the areas of focus listed below (Medtech, Sportstech, Edtech, Media & Entertainment, IOT, AI, Blockchain, Smart Everything (Cities, Homes, Logistics & Beyond).

Scale 7 Incubator

As the first fashion and design business incubator in Qatar, Scale7 was founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in partnership with M7, to serve as a platform to promote, develop and foster the creative industry in the country. Scale7 is a space where designers, entrepreneurs and startups can find not only support but also inspiration on their journey towards becoming recognised, commercially viable brands.

Enabling Qatar to position itself as a major Fashion & Design hub, and ultimately contributing to the diversification of the local economy, are the main pillars on which Scale7 was established.

Jahiz Industrial Accelerator

In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Municipality Jahiz is a QDB initiative that provides opportunities to lease Ready-Built-Factories to SME owners with innovative and aspirational industrial projects, for a specific acceleration period and at competitive prices.

Through a seven-year incubation program, Jahiz provides entrepreneurs and SMEs with innovative and aspirational industrial projects with the opportunity to lease ready-to-operate 45 manufacturing facilities ranging in size from 1,050 to 1,784 sqm. The program’s integrated facilities, tools and support services serve as the ideal platform to start and grow an industrial venture at subsidized prices.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore business and financial centre located in Doha, established by Law No. 7 of 2005 of the State of Qatar. A world-class platform for companies, QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment, contributing to the decisive economic development and diversification prescribed by Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in the State of Qatar is the government entity responsible for regulating and developing the telecommunications and information technology sector in Qatar. The ministry works to implement the policies of the Qatari government in the field of communications and information technology, while promoting technology and innovation in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, in addition to providing high-quality services to the citizens and businesses in Qatar.

As part of it's mandate to enrich the Digital Industry sector MCIT provides a collection in programs and intiatives that helps conceiving in growing tech enterprises in Qatar.

Government Communications Office (GCO)

The Government Communications Office (GCO) was established on 16 June 2015 under Amiri Decree no. 27. It serves to coordinate communications across government and public sector-funded agencies. The GCO falls directly under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister.

The GCO communicates the priorities of the government of the State of Qatar, works with ministries and other key organisations to tell Qatar’s story and supports government entities in responding to media enquiries in a timely manner.

The GCO is a valuable partner to local, regional and international media, interest groups, the general public and others seeking to learn more about Qatar.

Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI)

Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council was established in 2018, representing a new milestone in Qatar’s research, development and innovation (RDI) agenda. QRDI provides several research and innovation-related programs and grants to researchers and entrepreneurs in Qatar, as well as global start-ups considering Qatar their next destination.

Qatar Science and Technology Park

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, is a Free Zone, accelerator and incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate the development and commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar’s national diversification drive.

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