Curia Business Group launches Innovation Programme for 'aspiring entrepreneurs'

Curia Business Group, a Qatari venture and management consultancy founded by Hussain Akbar al-Baker, has announced the launch of its incubator programme – Curia Business Innovation. The Curia Business Innovation Programme has been designed to provide "aspiring entrepreneurs with a personalised step-by-step guide" to take their business idea from concept vision to reality. Curia has years of experience in establishing new businesses and catering to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar. The programme is aimed at ambitious entrepreneurs living in Qatar, whether nationals or residents, who have an innovative idea that contributes to each incubator cycle’s innovation theme. The first cycle of the programme is focused on technology and will run in collaboration with Microsoft. Applications will run until September 30. The top candidates will kick off their entrepreneurial journey with the programme starting on October 17. Al-Baker said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Curia Business Innovation Programme and are looking forward to empowering the next generation of business leaders. The programme is part of Curia’s ongoing efforts to provide entrepreneurs with the foundation necessary to launch their startup and accelerate their business to new heights.” In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 to grow and diversify Qatar’s economy, the programme serves as a gateway to boost innovation across numerous industries, including: agriculture and production; art and culture; education; entertainment and events; environmental sustainability; health and wellness; healthcare; sports; technology; and tourism.The Curia Business Innovation Programme will run on a part-time basis for 12 weeks and is structured to help participants build the fundamental elements of their business plan, create a three to five-year financial forecast and, ultimately, develop an investor pitch deck. By the end of the programme, the rising entrepreneurs will have launched their new startup and will be able to begin approaching potential investors and partners. With support from Microsoft, the programme will engage participants in specialist-led workshops, provide them with one-on-one mentorship and grant them access to useful tech tools. The workshops will cover numerous topics, including, but not limited to: Business purpose, industry and market research, organisational and legal structure, sales, marketing, operations, and financial plans. Successful entrepreneurs who launch their startup will also have the opportunity to get fast tracked into the ‘Microsoft for Startups’ programme.