Business Advisors Programme
 

The Business Advisors Programme (BAP) is a collaboration between UOB-SMU Entrepreneurship Alliance Centre (USEA@SMU) and SPRING Singapore . Launched in March 2009, the BAP is to match unemployed and highly qualified professionals, managers, executives and technicians (known as "Business Advisors" or “BAs” under the BAP) with SMEs. They will serve as BAs on short-term stints. The objective is to grow the SMEs' business and services and to help BAs better contextualise their expertise while working with the SMEs.

Owners of SMEs - Do you need assistance to grow your business?

BAs will be able to assist in the following areas:

  • Critical analysis of the SME's businesses, capital structure or other aspects of the business
  • Assisting the SME to develop business ideas, including brainstorming and provision of a critical view of potential business idea
  • Helping company to identify ways to improve sales, productivity, reduce costs and streamline procedures, including suggesting best practices (this could also include structuring projects to be done by outside parties, e.g. under the SME Consulting Scheme)
  • Crafting specific courses of action to address major weaknesses, if any

Eligibility

For purpose of the BAP, SPRING Singapore has set the following basic criteria:

  • Fixed Asset Investments not exceeding $15m (group basis)
  • Not exceeding 200 employees for companies in service sector
  • At least 30% local equity (Please send in a copy of your company's ACRA report for verification purposes.)

Testimonials 

“Our BA has provided us with additional “thinking capacity”. We are so impressed with her contribution that we have signed her on as our permanent employee!"

Mr Khoo Beng Keat
Managing Driector
MAJ Aviation Pte Ltd

 
“Most cost effective way to get professionals to help SMEs to grow. Should be continued!"

Mr Simon Tiong
Managing Driector
Simax Materials Solutions Pte Ltd


“My BA has helped me realise the importance of hiring talents/professionals to drive the business and the need to have a proper management team in order for the business to grow."

Ms Bettifer Lee
Sole-Proprietor
Soon King Foodstuffs Supply

Cost

SPRING Singapore will subsidize 70% of the cost of each project (capped at a maximum of $3,500 per month per project). The remaining 30% will be borne by the SME. (Terms and Conditions apply).

Application Process

  • Complete the online PROJECT REQUEST SHEET.
  • Staff from the Centre will contact applicants to obtain further details
  • Requests will be reviewed a Committee
  • Committee's decision and approval is final
  • If approved, a qualified BA will be assigned to the project for a period of up to 6 months
  • Terms and conditions apply

 

Over 80 PMETs have benefitted from BAP – Join us as a Business Advisor (BA) to assist SMEs!

The Business Advisors Programme invites you to join our panel of Business Advisors (BAs) for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

BAs are responsible for providing independent advice and guidance to SMEs, supporting them to develop, grow and become more competitive. Each assignment is for a period of up to 6 months.

The selected PMETs will attend a 2-day BAP Orientation by SMU plus a 2-day Basic Consulting Skills by IMC and will be attached to the sponsoring SMEs to work on specific projects/assignments.

Eligibility

  • Nationality: Open to Singaporeans and Singapore PRs only.
  • Working experience: More than 5 years of relevant experience depending on the needs of the project. The BA should display a good understanding of the industry or markets in which the SME operates and possess the functional skills required for the project.
  • Employment status: Free agents seeking short term assignments. The BA is expected to work full time on the project, or in accordance to the project's requirements. The BA may engage in evening or weekend classes, as long as they do not interfere with his or her ability to deliver the project.
  • Business Acumen: Ability to offer independent and objective viewpoints. The BA should display good business acumen and management skills.
  • Reputation: Professional and character references would be carefully considered. BAs with good reputation in the business community would be ideal.
  • Attitude: A willingness to work with SMEs and a commitment to carry out expected duties professionally. Prior experience with SMEs would be preferred, but not necessary.

Skills and Knowledge

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good IT skills
  • Highly adaptable
  • Clear, objective and ability to think strategically
  • Aware of current business issues and trends
  • Up-to-date knowledge of funding and grants available to SMEs
  • A non-judgmental and positive approach
  • Ability to work on your own initiative
  • Willing to fully commit for the duration of the project

FAQ

If you would like to be a Business Advisor, kindly send a copy of your CV in word document to bap@smu.edu.sg and indicate your area of expertise (eg: Business Planning, Market Research, Financial Analysis, Human Resources & OB, IT/IS, etc), and we shall inform you when we have suitable projects for you. Only shortlisted BAs will be notified via email.

Please note that this is an on-going process. We will only notify you when there are potential projects for you.

Please contact us at 6828 0623 / 6828 0730 if you have any enquiries or you may also visit our website: www.smu.edu.sg/usea for more details.




 

Last updated on 5 February, 2010 by UOB-SMU Entrepreneurship Alliance Centre.