Launch of QSTP's Investor Readiness Program seminars

Interest in the Investor Readiness Program has been overwhelming, with the course fully booked within days.

The IRP course enables entrepreneurs to bridge the gap between business concept and the creation of a winning business plan.

Entrepreneurs are shown how to develop a successful business plan and how to pitch their investment proposals to investors, helping to raise capital to launch their own technology-related business. Due to the high demand of this first program, a second series is already scheduled for early next year.

The IRP provides coaching to entrepreneurs during a series of six seminars and workshops, over a six week period. Topics cover the whole process of planning a successful start-up, from the early idea stage, to the launch and growth of the business. The theme of the first session was Project Selection and Development and future sessions include Commercial Evaluation on 5th November, Building a Management Team on 12th November, Business Planning on 19th November, Pitching to Investors on 26th November and Business Development on 3rd December.

Des Ryan, Business Support Manager for QSTP, was delighted by the positive response to the course, saying 'It is clear that there are lots of budding entrepreneurs in Qatar interested in the program. We hope the Investor Readiness Program will help them get the funding they need for their technology start up, by assisting them in preparing an investor-ready business plan'.

Adham Al-Kazem, was thrilled to secure a place on the course, saying 'Establishing an innovative and eventually a successful business has always been a dream for me. After university I made several business attempts, but they only began to be successful as my experience grew and through trial and error. I believe these seminars are the way forward and will provide entrepreneurs like me, with support and guidance to make our businesses a big success. '

The IRP seminars are open to any residents that wish to learn how to plan and build their own start-up technology business. The seminars form part of QSTP's vision to help develop Qatar's knowledge-based economy. QSTP provide premises, services and support programmes to help entrepreneurs to launch their start-up businesses, whilst encouraging companies from around the world to develop and commercialise their technology within Qatar, incubating technology and innovation within the country.

The event is being held at the Four Seasons Hotel for six Monday evenings from 5 to 9 PM, and started on October 29th 2007.