Entrepreneurs take their first step on the business ladder

There was a buzz at the first day of the course today as 43 men and women of nationalities spanning Qatari, Indian, Australian and European, took the first step in developing their business ideas.

The program aims to harness Qatar's entrepreneurial talent, and its investment in research and education, to grow Qatar's knowledge economy. Aspiring executives are taught how to turn innovative technologies into marketable products by successful previous entrepreneurs and professors. Students will learn business essentials such as market positioning and strategic planning and will be coached on how to generate and process business ideas.

The Executive Entrepreneurship Certificate Program is delivered by Carnegie Mellon's Donald H. Jones Center for Entrepreneurship, which has taught thousands of people how to build businesses and is organised by Qatar Science & Technology Park, which aims to enable many of the entrepreneurs to launch technology ventures in its nascent business incubator.

The course is taught by S. Thomas Emerson, PhD, a respected educator and a recognised entrepreneur himself, having been bestowed with the tile of Entrepreneur of the Year in the U.S. Mr. Emerson said, 'This program will channel creativity and the talent of regional people, enabling them to start-up their technology businesses'.

Some of the students on the course have an idea for a successful business but have faced problems in starting up in Qatar due to inexperience or lack of funding and support.

EECP student Abdullah Al Naimi said, 'There are so many obstacles starting a technology business here, but Qatar is now growing rapidly and with this growth comes privileged opportunities like this course which will teach entrepreneurs like us, how to overcome them.'

Being the first held of its kind in Qatar, the course holds great value for both business novices and successful entrepreneurs alike, counting CEO of Qatari IT company iHorizons Mohamad Takriti as one of its alumni.

Mr. Takriti commented, 'Even with the day to day experience of running a successful business it is difficult to find a course which can support entrepreneurship academically. I have joined the course to benefit from the unparalleled support provided and to take advantage of the unique networking opportunities the EECP will give, where I am able to share my ideas and entrepreneurial enthusiasm with like-minded business people.'