Toolkit Kiosk Helps SMEs Go Global

SMEs got a boost recently when the Small and Medium Enterprise Corp Malaysia (SME Corp) unveiled the first of its kind SME Toolkit kiosk in the country aimed at helping SMEs go global.

The kiosk, which is located at SME Corp's office in Menara Matrade, also helps them leverage on the toolkit to enhance their business by reducing their operational cost. SMEs can gain access to the relevant information in the toolkit via the Internet and need not go to the kiosk personally to access it.

The SME Toolkit is an online program that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn how to implement sustainable business management practices needed for growth in areas such as finance, accounting, international business, marketing, human resources or legal, at no cost.

Learn more here.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Global Bank Makes Move for SMEs

Global lender HSBC with its HSBC Business, is targeting export-oriented businesses with turnover up to $10 million.

Interesting fact (quote):

Australia has about one million SMEs, about 90,000 of which do international business.

Read more here.

Photo: Kangaroo, national symbol of Australia

Should Every SME Become a Global Business?

We sure hope so. Yet according to Brendan Murtagh, speaking at the 28th annual Caribbean Accountants Conference, he said:

"I'm not suggesting every SME needs to become a global business, but to be the best they can be, they have to understand that there are going to be opportunities out there in the current climate whereby they can get together and leverage what they have together with other partners, and actually make a stronger, better business that's going to add to the economy as a whole. We are saying if you are going to recognize these opportunities, you have to step back and ask how are we going to do it?"

Read more here.

Note: IASB Issues Accounting Standard for SMEs

SMEs Are the Backbone of Many Economies

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of many economies, including Ireland, and international business is an engine that seems to be running out of steam across all continents.

For example, take this excerpt:

‘‘SMEs are the backbone of this economy and it’s time the government sat up and took notice of this," said Curran.

‘‘We need to look at improving the export policy of these businesses, but the cost of competitiveness and a reduction in rates and other charges - such as energy - must be addressed. SMEs have done all they possibly can to cut costs.

Further:

‘‘We are still reliant on the international economy, and I would be very worried about the first few months of next year. This has probably been the worst year for SMEs in 20 years."

Read more at "SMEs Hanging On In Unforgiving Climate."

Additional resources mentioned in article:

Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME)

Not mentioned in the article but of interest:

ISME & FORD Guide to Surviving in a Downturn

Ford teamed up with ISME to produce a useful guide for small business in the current climate 'Keeping the small business moving – A guide to surviving in a downturn', it gives advice on cash flow, general cost reduction and marketing as they relate to smaller business.

ISME & FORD Guide to Surviving in a Downturn (PDF)

Expand Into the Global Market

Although this is after the fact, it's still interesting and relevant to see that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China are looking for ways to expand their businesses internationally.

"One of the key goals of this year's fair is to build an efficient trade platform for domestic SMEs to expand their business in the global market," said Lin Ying, secretary-general of the organizing committee.

Learn more here.

Photo credit: China Daily