Sources in SMEDA told Business Recorder that the National Business Development Programme for which an amount of Rs 250 million has already been allocated in 2017-18 would mobilize investment worth around Rs 8 billion. In addition to investment mobilization, the programme would envisage economic value addition of Rs 3.5 billion.
Different support services will be provided to the small and medium enterprises across the country including start-up and business development support, management development support, service acquisition support and research, policy and advocacy support, sources added.
The programme is aimed at providing handholding support to SMEs to assume an important role in the global market. Moreover, access to valuable information would also be provided. The development of networks and promotion of internationalization and innovation would also be part of the programme.
SMEDA will extend facilities to small and medium enterprises in various areas including new enterprise creation/business start-up, technology up gradation, capacity development, marketing linkages, research and policy advocacy. The proposed programme aims at facilitating 314,901 SME beneficiaries, over a period of five years. As many as 3,800 training programs would be conducted under this programme that would also help obtain 500 international certifications, the sources said.
The programme will also help provide grants to 913 business startup. The programme will create 38 direct and 22,000 indirect employment opportunities. Under the programme, credit worthiness assessment support will be provided to 9,500 SMEs to facilitate access to formal credit, the sources added.