Doha: Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development (Bedaya Center), a joint initiative by Qatar Development Bank and Silatech, organised the ‘Souq Maqtoura’ programme, the first rotating market to support entrepreneurs, in collaboration with Aspire Park from May 12 to 14. The programme is the first-of-its-kind for Qatari youth owning virtual companies on social platforms, specifically small and medium enterprises (SMEs). About 40 Qatari youth participated and experienced life in a booth.
The programme aimed to support youth in showcasing their projects and products and move them to a real display area rather than highlighting them on social media platforms only.
This concept met with great success and appreciation from exhibitors and visitors.
Reem Al Sowaidi, General Manager, Bedaya Center, said: “The centre’s main objective is to enable entrepreneurs in the fields of professional development and entrepreneurship through diverse mediums and methods, including workshops for basic and advanced skills to help them adapt to the local market and launch their projects and products. Today, we witnessed participation of 40 Qatari youth — men and women — aged 16-24 in the first edition of ‘Souq Maqtoura’ at Aspire Park.
“Several youth have started business through social media platforms. We contacted and invited them to participate in ‘Souq Maqtoura’.
“The participants showcased and sold products and tested for the first time the actual feeling of a real souq and interaction with the audience. They also introduced their products to the local market.
“We aim to offer a wide selection of services for young entrepreneurs to guide them and sharpen their skills.
“ We offer programmes that enable them to take the first step towards success through best solutions that help them achieve their goals and objectives, allowing us to fulfil the needs of the SME sector in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” she added.
The Peninsula
