As a Singapore-based small or medium enterprise (SME), you probably have already realised that the local market may just be a little too small for your business ambitions. But even going regional can be challenging, much less going global. If you’re looking for help in that area, you may want to check out “Go Global“, an industry initiative by Google and Singapore trade authorities SPRING Singapore and IE Singapore along with seven other partners to look at providing SMEs in Singapore with tools and training to help them export their goods and services using the Internet.
The other partners for the program include CyberSource, Rajah & Tann Singapore, RSM, SingPost, United Overseas Bank, UOB-SMU Asian Enterprise Institute and Verztec Consulting, and offer their services and expertise on the”Go Global” site which is packed with tips, tools and resources that will help Singapore small businesses thrive online, and include the likes of:
– A collection of learning videos featuring industry experts on topics ranging from optimising for e-commerce and setting up e-payments to digital marketing, feasibility studies, translation, as well as international financial, legal and tax processes,
– Free tools like Google’s Global Market Finder can help businesses find an audience for their products or services around the world,
– A “Digital Export Plan” to help businesses assess how export-ready their site is,
– Regular workshops to help businesses optimize their business plans for export, as well as digital marketing workshops to help SMEs with online marketing and advertising campaigns, and
– Grants to help SMEs defray costs.
Exports have always played a large part of Singapore’s economy – total exports stood at S$518.9 billion in 2014 – but in recent years have been weakening, and SPRING Singapore and IE Singapore must hope that the “Go Global” program help reverse the trend. But if you’re looking to take your business overseas, it’s a good place to start to see if you’re ready.
