Start Digital Pack helps small businesses grow

01 Mar 2019 | SMB, Software as a Service, Cybersecurity, Digitalisation | 5-min read

Announced in 2017, the SMEs Go Digital Programme is an $80 million initiative that aims to guide SMBs through their digital journey by giving them step-by-step assistance and advice on the technologies to use at each stage of the growth. The SME Technology Hub, which opened in late 2017, has advisers to help identify digital solutions for SMBs and guide them on taking full advantage of the technologies. 

The SMEs Go Digital initiative also supports SMBs by partnering them with vetted technology companies to identify solutions to further simplify their business operations, so that they can grow optimally. Various sectors have been targeted – namely, retail, food services, wholesale trade and logistics – as digital technology can significantly improve productivity and streamline processes.

In May 2018, the programme was further updated with the introduction of a digital project management service, which will train professionals, managers and executives to become digital project managers who will then help other SMBs with their digitalisation.

The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) supports companies that are keen to adopt tech solutions and equipment to enhance and streamline their business processes.

PSG covers solutions that cut across sectors as well as sector-specific solutions including the retail, food, logistics, retail, security, wholesale and environmental solutions industries. The solutions covered can also be used across various sectors, especially in areas of customer management, data analytics, financial management and inventory tracking.

The grant will fund up to 50% of qualifying costs for SMBs looking to adopt these pre-approved technologies.

SMBs are eligible to apply for the PSG if they are registered and operating in Singapore. Additionally, the purchase, lease or subscription of the tech solutions or equipment must be operated in Singapore.

SMB owners can go to the Tech Depot for the list of pre-approved solutions and identify those that will be suitable for your business. For example, if you are the owner of an F&B establishment and you need an IT solution that allows you to maximise efficiency of labour, you may need a Point-of-Sale system that allows service crew to take orders remotely via wireless devices. Such pre-approved solutions are found on Tech Depot.

Once you identify a solution, you can get a quotation from the pre-approved vendor. Finally, you need to submit an application on the Business Grant Portal (BGP).

Launched on 9 January 2019, the Start Digital Pack lets SMBs enjoy 6 months of free subscription for selected digital solutions provided by a group of banks and ICT providers such as Singtel. The solutions include products from the following categories:

• Digital Marketing: Consumers today research products online, so small business needs to reach them digitally. Adtiq is a platform to simplify Facebook, Google and Instagram advertising so small business can connect with customers.
  
• Digital Transactions: While customers are researching products online, they're also more inclined to purchase online. eCommerce platforms like Shoptiq  are a simple way for small business to sell their products online.
• Cyber Security: Moving into the digital world means protecting your business data. Singtel is offering a suite of solutions to protect your, including
  • Broadband Protect
  • Business Protect Basic
  • Mobile Threat Prevention
  • ZoneAlarm Mobile Security
  • Data Compliance and Protection Suite (Lite or Full versions)

For more details on the promotion and to sign up, visit www.singtel.com/smedigital to select the solutions.