SME

INTRODUCTION

In today's globalized economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving the economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating jobs. However, despite their significant contributions, SMEs often face numerous challenges, when attempting to enter into international markets. To address these challenges and support SMEs in their export endeavours, there is an imminent need to help SMEs to guide, handhold and mentor them with the required information and help them to grow and increase their exports.

We have observed that many enterprises are successfully running their businesses and having enough turnover for local markets but they are not able to explore the international markets, due to lack of knowledge, connectivity, procedural lacuna, awareness about trade benefits and barriers, fear about loss of receivables, knowledgeable and skilled work force for compliances, procedures, formalities and difficulties while dealing with the customers, customs, shipping, ports, local taxation, banking, international trade norms, restrictions, benefits and advantages of various schemes and policies, insurance, competitions in the markets, quality, price, demand, supply and other aspects, which are creating hurdles and loss of revenues.

Keeping in mind the pivotal role of SMEs, SME Export Promotion Council jointly with SME Chamber of India, SME Business Management Institute, Packaging Industry Association of India (PIAI), Maharashtra Industry Development Association (MIDA), Gujarat Industry Development Association (GIDA) and India International Trade Centre (IITC-INDIA) have initiated “SME EXPORT PROMOTION FACILITATION CENTRE” SEPFC), to support & assist the emerging SMEs and manufacturing industries to enter into global markets for the promotion of exports and allied business activities. SEPFCs will offer comprehensive assistance to both existing and potential exporters, aiming to enhance their competitiveness to meet global standards and effectively target international markets. SEPFC is dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and resources to help SMEs, successfully navigate the complexities of exporting, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage.

SME EXPORT PROMOTION FACILITATION CENTRE

SME EXPORT PROMOTION FACILITATION CENTRE will provide value-added services to entrepreneurs and their main workforce dealing in international trade, particularly in ensuring the procedures, compliances and completing necessary formalities related to international trade. This includes export documentation, import facilitation and identifying opportunities with support of Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and other relevant Departments & Institutions that offer financial support for market development, assistance, and the enhancement of manufacturing and export promotional activities. Additionally, the Centre will identify financial institutions and banks to provide trade finance, focusing particularly on export promotion and import facilitation, depending on the products and services involved.

The Centre will also establish a network of companies involved in the manufacturing products, services, equipment, and machines, as well as suppliers of commodities and other products. This network will help identify the most accessible markets to reduce burdens and facilitate direct marketing efforts, minimizing hurdles and issues

SME EXPORT PROMOTION FACILITATION CENTRE would be a vital one stop resource centre for SMEs aiming to expand their business horizons beyond domestic borders. By providing a comprehensive range of services and support, the Centre empowers SMEs to overcome the challenges of exporting, capitalize on new opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth in the international markets. Through targeted training, expert consultations, market insights, and strategic partnerships, the Centre ensures that SMEs will have well-equipped knowledge, capacities and capabilities to thrive in the competitive global marketplaces. By fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and facilitating market access, the SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre would play a crucial role in driving economic development and creating a vibrant eco-system for international trade.

This initiative will also add value in industrial output, enhancing the foreign exchange earnings, employment generation, new entrepreneurship, expansion of manufacturing activities and accomplish the dream project of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to make India as a manufacturing hub, enhancement of economic and industrial growth, large employment generation, branding of made in India products, achieve the milestone of $3 trillion exports by 2030 & march towards “Viksit Bharat”.

The main objectives of the SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre are:

  • Enhancing Export Readiness: Equipping SMEs with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to prepare for and succeed in the international markets.
  • Market Expansion: Assisting SMEs in identifying and penetrating new export markets to increase their global footprint.
  • Capacity Building: Strengthening the operational and strategic capabilities of SMEs to sustain long-term export growth.
  • Reducing Export Barriers: Providing solutions to mitigate the barriers and challenges faced by SMEs in the export process.
  • Fostering Innovation and Competitiveness: Encouraging SMEs to innovate and adopt competitive practices to enhance their export performance.

ACTIVITIES

  • Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the benefits and opportunities of exporting through seminars, webinars, and informational materials.
  • Training and Workshops: Offering targeted training programs and workshops on various aspects of exporting, such as market research, export documentation, international trade regulations, and logistics.
  • Consultation Services: Providing one-on-one consultations with export experts to address specific challenges and develop tailored export strategies.
  • Market Research and Intelligence: Conducting market research to provide SMEs with insights into potential export markets, consumer preferences, competitive landscapes, and emerging markets.
  • Networking and Matchmaking: Organizing networking events and trade missions to connect SMEs with the potential international partners, buyers, and distributors.
  • Financial Assistance and Incentives: Facilitating access to export financing options, grants, and incentives to support SMEs in their export activities.
  • Legal and Regulatory Assistance: Offering guidance on legal and regulatory compliance, including rules and regulations, quality standards, and certification requirements, to ensure SMEs adhere to necessary standards and practices.
  • Digital Export Promotion: Leveraging digital platforms and e-commerce to promote SME products and services globally.
  • Logistics and Shipping Support: Providing assistance with logistics, shipping, and packaging to ensure that products reach international markets efficiently and in good condition.

The SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre will provide a comprehensive suite of offerings designed to support SMEs at every stage of their export journey. These offerings include:

  • Export Readiness Assessment: An in-depth evaluation to determine an SME's preparedness for export activities, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Customized Export Plans: Development of tailored export plans that outline strategic steps for market entry, growth, and sustainability.
  • Training Programs: A variety of training modules covering topics such as international marketing, export finance, cross-cultural communication, and supply chain management.
  • Advisory Services: Access to expert advisors who provide ongoing support and guidance on export-related issues and opportunities.
  • Market Entry Support: Assistance with market entry strategies, including partner identification, market visits, promotional activities, and understanding the company’s products and rates.
  • Trade Missions and Expos: Opportunities to participate in international trade missions, exhibitions, and fairs to showcase products and services to a global audience.
  • Export Financing Solutions: Information and support on obtaining export financing, including loans, insurance, and risk management products.
  • Regulatory Compliance Assistance: Guidance on meeting international standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements to ensure smooth market entry and operations.
  • E-commerce Enablement: Support for SMEs to develop and enhance their online presence, leveraging e-commerce platforms to reach international customers.
  • Documentation and Formalities: Assistance with the preparation and management of export documentation, formalities, and compliance with policies and schemes.
  • Packaging and Quality Control: Support in ensuring products meet quality standards and are appropriately packaged for international shipping.
  • Addressing Trade Barriers: Providing solutions and strategies to overcome trade barriers and navigate complex international trade environments.

SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre would be a vital one stop resource centre for SMEs aiming to expand their business horizons beyond domestic borders. By providing a comprehensive range of services and support, the Centre empowers SMEs to overcome the challenges of exporting, capitalize on new opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth in the international markets.

Through targeted training, expert consultations, market insights, and strategic partnerships, the Centre ensures that SMEs will have well-equipped knowledge, capacities and capabilities to thrive in the competitive global marketplaces. By fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and facilitating market access, the SME Export Promotion Facilitation Centre would play a crucial role in driving economic development and creating a vibrant eco-system for international trade.

This initiative will also add value in industrial output, enhancing the foreign exchange earnings, employment generation, new entrepreneurship, expansion of manufacturing activities and accomplish the dream project of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to make India as a manufacturing hub, enhancement of economic and industrial growth, large employment generation, branding of made in India products, achieve the milestone of $3 trillion exports by 2030 & march towards “Viksit Bharat”.

SME CHAMBER OF INDIA is a prominent national apex organization, and has been offering support and assistance for the past 31 years to SMEs, manufacturing industries, exporters, service sectors, mid-corporates, startups, allied industrial and business entities. Its support spans various aspects such as business growth, export promotion, supply and procurement, finance and investment channelization, import facilitation, establishment of new manufacturing industries, joint ventures, technology transfers, collaborations, contract manufacturing, branding, marketing, promotion, franchise, distribution, Government services, liaison activities and identification of business partners for mergers and acquisitions.

For More Info Visit: www.smechamberofindia.com

SME EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL has been providing support services to Indian SMEs, manufacturers, exporters and service export companies, to initiate and enhance export business, identify emerging markets, establish business contacts, promote products & services in specific markets, channelize trade finance and financial support, appointment of buying and selling agents, connectivity with buyers, importers, marketing and distribution agencies, companies from supply chain management, experts and consultants, exhibitions, conferences, buyer-seller meets, business matchmaking organizers and facilitators from various companies.

For More Info Visit: www.smeexports.com