(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Social Development Centre (SDC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Social Action, has received 67 applications for its third edition of Reyada - the Qatari Entrepreneur Awards.
The deadline for applications ended last December 28 and preparations for the evaluation of applications have started by a judges' panel of 14 representing the entrepreneurial sector in Qatar and not affiliated to SDC.
The awards are open to Qataris who have new plans or existing start-ups and institutions support entrepreneurs.
Winners will be announced and celebrated in a ceremony in March.
The awards were launched in 2011 to encourage entrepreneurship start-ups and scaled-up ventures in Qatar. They aim to honour the owners of pilot projects and supporters through recognition and monetary rewards.
The initiative also aims to encourage people to develop entrepreneurial skills and competencies, in addition to enhancing the business environment.
Munther Al Dawood, Projects & Investment Manager, SDC, said, "The quality of applications and projects have improved this year, which reflects the strength and competitiveness of awards compared to the previous editions. This year, Reyada was also promoted on social media, which saw excellent turnout of ambitious Qatari youth. The motivation and support given to participants in previous years has positioned the awards as a leading entrepreneurship programme.
"As a result, Reyada has attracted entrepreneurs to nominate promising projects that will contribute to economic diversification we aspire and promote a business/entrepreneurship environment."
The awards are divided into three categories - the New Venture Challenge Award for distinctive and advanced business ideas, whether implemented or in the ideation phase; the Entrepreneur Achiever Award for entrepreneurs who have succeeded in the development of small and medium businesses which contribute to the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030; and the Outstanding Entrepreneurial Support Award for the best community support to entrepreneurship for companies and individuals who support the owners of pilot projects and contribute to national development.
Reyada aims to be transparent throughout the programme and the winners are selected through strict criteria. The judges are experienced entrepreneurship leaders and their evaluation will be documented and aired during the ceremony.
Hamad Al Safar, Head, Entrepreneurship Support Section, SDC, said, "Since its inception, SDC has played a vital role in developing the Qatari economy by planting the spirit of initiative and opening opportunities for young people through comprehensive training and development programmes."
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.