SME Excellence

SME Excellence is a collection of the top-performing SMEs in Qatar that rank high in parameters that enable a high business success rate. It is an effective method of identifying upcoming and promising SMEs and encouraging them to grow into sustainable businesses.

SME Excellence assesses the top-performing SMEs in Qatar and inspires them to become bigger, better, and more sustainable. It boosts competition in the economy, drives innovation and quality, enhances motivation, and fosters knowledge development.

SMEs will be ranked based on a pre-defined set of financial and non-financial parameters.

1-Business Performance and growth

include:
• Growth in turnover
• Growth in profits

2- Innovation & Digital Transformation

include:
• Implementation of innovative products/services
• use of technology and digital tools
• R&D investments

3- Market Competitiveness and localization

include:
• Brand reputation and visibility
• customer satisfaction and loyalty
• local sourcing

The deadline for SME Excellence 2025 applications is 31 July 2025.

The process includes the following stages:

1- Application submission
2- Applications review
3- Interview and site visits
4- Final Evaluation

Yes. focal must be nominated a dedicated person responsible for managing the communication and application process to ensure a smooth experience.

No. Participation in SME Excellence is completely free of charge.

Yes. All sections must be completed and submitted. For any queries, contact the Call Center at +974 4430 0000.

Yes. all applications must be submitted online.

Once the application is submitted, SMEs will be shortlisted based on eligibility and financial criteria. Shortlisted companies will proceed to interviews and site visits and must submit additional supporting documents.

You may submit audited statements from previous years. However, you must disclose financial statements for the past 3 years. Un-audited financial statements will not be accepted.

Mandatory documents:

• Qatar ID copy
• Commercial Registration (CR)
• Computer card
• Audited financial statements for 2022, 2023, and 2024

Optional (if applicable):

• ID copy of authorized signatory
• Trade license
• Municipality permit
• Qatar Chamber membership
• Industrial registration
• Company presentation & other documents (profiles, brochures etc.)
• Proof of number of employees (from MOI/General Directorate of Passports)

QDB facilitates the process and evaluates the participating companies.

All data submitted will be kept confidential and used solely for evaluation purposes. Aggregate data may be analyzed to assess the general state of SME development in Qatar. QDB adheres to strict data privacy standards.

The technical panel ensures transparency and validates the rankings from the independent evaluators. They also ensure SMEs receive valuable feedback on performance, strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas.

• Gain credibility and greater visibility.
• Strengthen your company’s position as a top-performing enterprise.
• Enhance competitiveness.
• Be featured in the official SME Excellence publications locally and globally.
• Receive a detailed evaluation report after the event, outlining strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas.

Type of Company:

• Commercial, for-profit SME operating in Qatar
• Classified as SME under Qatar’s National Definition (excludes home-based businesses)

Operational Tenure:

• Minimum of 3 years of operations in Qatar
• Valid Commercial Registration

Financial Disclosure:

• Minimum of 3 years of audited financials (2022–2024)
• Internal unaudited 2024 report accepted temporarily (audited version required later)

Other Criteria:

• Either parent or subsidiary can apply, not both
• Must meet SME thresholds (refer to SME definition document)
• Government entities, non-profits, branches of foreign firms, and franchises are not eligible
• Pure trading businesses are excluded
• Companies with direct/indirect QDB employee investment are ineligible

Terms and Conditions:

• SME agrees to be contacted by QDB
• Technical Panel can amend qualification criteria
• Panel’s decisions are final

Yes, as long as the entity qualifies as an SME per the National Definition.

No. Only one can apply per evaluation cycle.

Yes. SMEs with any financial year-end are eligible to apply.

Yes. SMEs are assessed on both financial and non-financial parameters, so a drop does not disqualify them.