This week Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQatar) launched the Design Entrepreneurship Network (DEN), an initiative which offers facilities including free studio space, business mentoring, exhibition and retail space and funding. The program has been introduced in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and aims to support ‘design-led innovation’ and business start-up’s to partner organisations, communities and the region.
“Den will help aspiring design entrepreneurs at a crucial time as they move from the identification and planning stage through to launch and implementation of their business. Through Den’s partner organisations, the beneficiaries can access training and development programmes, business planning advice, early stage funding, soft loans, personal development workshops and exhibition and retail space.” - Roger Griffiths, director of Design Entrepreneurship and Industry Affiliations at VCUQatar.
