SC – Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Lim Sei Kee @ cK

@ Definition @ Examples @ Importance

SMEs SME stands for Small to Medium Enterprise. Different countries define SMEs differently. SMALL-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an increasingly important role in the global economy, with a growing proportion now doing business internationally.

SMEs in Brunei In April 1997, The Registrar of Companies and Names has at least 40,000 registered business under sole proprietorship or partnership and 2,000 companies. Almost 90% of these are considered as small and medium enterprises(SMEs). These businesses have between 0 - 100 employees.

About 39% of the SMEs are in manufacturing and construction, - 32% in the services sector, including 23.5% in trading and wholesale activities, - while the rest are in primary production activities.

Prioritized industry sectors Oil and Gas Logistics ICT & Infrastructure Halal Green business Aviation Agriculture.

Recognizing the significant role of SMEs, the primary role of the Brunei Government is to create a good business environment to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs by providing: Administrative Support Investment and Trading Opportunities Technical Assistance Financial Assistance Incentives

Administrative Support The Resource Centre coordinates the programmes and activities of the government agencies and private sectors that are responsible for SMEs. In addition, the one-stop agency under the Brunei Industrial Development Authority (BINA) provides administrative support in the implementation of the industrial development programme and trade requirement.

Investment and Trading Opportunities An investment / trading arm of the Government has been created with the objective of accelerating strategic industrial development in Brunei Darussalam through foreign direct investment.

Technical Assistance Assistance given are in the form of training services, incubation programmes, technical and business advisory services and infrastructure assistance.

Financial Assistance Industrial Development Fund is given to SMEs to support their financial needs through the Enterprise Establishment Scheme, Enterprise Development Scheme and the Regional Cooperation Project Scheme.

Incentives To promote the development and expansion of SME activities, tax and investment incentives, including tax exemption for imported raw materials and machinery, are given to SMEs involved in industries related to food, for local and export market, and industries utilizing local resources.

Importance of SMEs Major player in industrial development that has a high potential in contributing to the diversification of the economy. SMEs are crucial to the economic growth process and play an important role in the country's overall production network. SMEs have the potential to contribute substantially to the economy and can provide a strong foundation for the growth of new industries as well as strengthening existing ones.

Successful SMEs - characteristics Highly motivated Highly innovative entrepreneurs Well versed with up-to-date technologies Able to take the advantage in strengthening their competitiveness

SME - Problems Business viability as well as a lack of medium/long-term commitment. A lack of technical knowledge, market knowledge, financial means to conduct research and innovation, human resources and finances to fund their growth. Lack the financial resources to meet with the opportunities of the wider market

SME - Financing Often the hardest part of starting a business is raising the money to get going. The entrepreneur might have a great idea and clear idea of how to turn it into a successful business. However, if sufficient finance cannot be raised, it is unlikely that the business will get off the ground.

The finance needs of a start-up should take account of these key areas: Set-up costs (the costs that are incurred before the business starts to trade) Starting investment in capacity (the fixed assets that the business needs before it can begin to trade) Working capital (the stocks needed by the business –e.g. r raw materials + allowance for amounts that will be owed by customers once sales begin) Growth and development (e.g. extra investment in capacity

Discussion Qs Where can SMEs get their financing from?

GROUP PRESENTATION @ NOV 15th / NOV 22nd / DEC 6th 1. Define SME. 2. Examples of SME in Brunei. 3. Importance of SME. 4. Problems of SME. 5. Where can SMEs get their financing from?

Group Assignment Work in a group of MAXIMUM 4 students. Presentation title: “Small Medium Enterprises” Presentation date: NOV 15th / NOV 22nd / DEC 6th ** MAX 3 GROUPS PER SESSION ** Submit your softcopy before/on 7th DEC 2013 Points to remember: Show up early, Proper Introduction, Clear and Concise Points, Enhance your graphics, Conclude the presentation. Time: 15 – 20 minutes.