• Foster business partnerships between local SMEs and local buyer contractors.
  
• Institute a robust model for the SME Rating and Accreditation system to enhance access to finance for SMEs and strengthen business credentials for registration and pre-qualification with large buyers.
• Deploy a credible framework to assess and evaluate SMEs intending to execute government, semi-government and private entity contracts.
  
• Assist local SMEs in developing and enhancing their existing business to achieve sustainability and competitiveness to improve their business.
  

Rating is a comprehensive analysis of the business and entails an assessment of the business model, the promoter and management, industry and financials.

A Rating Certificate is an indicator of the probability of business success and is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Rating Certificate is given on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the best and 5 needing improvement in the business).

Accreditation is an evaluation of the ‘Contract Execution Capabilities for the Business’. SMEs are accredited based on business capabilities, experience and track record, credibility and business reputation, and health and safety.

To be eligible for the SME Rating and Accreditation, an enterprise must meet the following criteria:

• First: Company type
  • A commercial, for-profit enterprise, engaged in value-added economic activity in Qatar.
  • Based in Qatar with a minimum 51% of Qatari shareholding.
  • Qualifying as an SME as per the official Qatar SME definition.
• Second: Willingness to share information
  • Willing to disclose financial statements of the past 3 years for the purpose of screening as well as performance evaluation. Unaudited financial statements will be considered for assessment; however, enterprises with audited financial statements will be given preference in the SME Rating and Accreditation.
  • Once shortlisted for evaluation, the enterprise will be required to participate in interviews and site visits. They will also be required to furnish additional documents to support and validate the discussions during/after the site visits.

• Permits the exemption from ‘Tender Bid Bond’, ‘Performance Bond’ and ‘Advance Payment Guarantee’
• Improve your business by more government procurement engagements.
• Improve the comfort level with prospective/existing lenders.
• Carry out self-evaluation and take timely and corrective measures for improvement.
• Identify business gaps/business opportunities and growth potentials.

HOW DOES THE SUBSIDY WORK?

• Up to 50% grant is offered only for SME Rating Certification. No grant will be given for accreditation services.​
  
• Rating grant is limited to 1 per Qatari ID per year.​
  
• Additional use of Rating and Accreditation services may be allowed without QDB support.
  

PARTICIPATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• Holding companies are not eligible for participation, but subsidiaries can participate, provided they have proper Commercial Registration in Qatar individually.​
  
• If the subsidiary participates, it must follow the thresholds laid out in the Qatar SME definition.
  
• Trade, real estate, contracting, building, construction, government and non-profit entities are not eligible for participation.
  
• Enterprises which are a branch of a foreign company or a franchise of an international brand are not eligible for participation.
• Enterprises which are a branch of a foreign company or a franchise of an international brand are not eligible for participation.