Singapore Budget 2017

First and foremost, to all SMEs and Startups, good news for you! Singapore’s Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat delivered the Singapore Budget 2017 speech in parliament yesterday (20 February 2017). Firstly in his speech, he highlighted the importance of Singapore firms to use digital technology to stay competitive in our rapidly changing world. Therefore, the Singapore government has set aside more than S$80 million for digital and data programmes. The initiative will be called the ‘SME Go Digital Programme’ and will be led by Singapore’s Infocomm and Media Development Authority, along with enterprise development agency SPRING.

SME Go Digital Programme

Going digital is more than just digitising accounting systems, it involves venturing into social media marketing. Hence, to help companies build their digital presence, a $80 million funding support has been initiated. For example, it covers verticals including retail, food services, logistics, cleaning, wholesale trade, and security. As an SME you can look forward to:

Customised Digital Solutions for Your Businesses

Not sure how to digitalise your business? Fret not as Business advisors and ICT consultants will advise you on the technologies to use at each stage of your growth. They will also guide you on how to use government-approved or off-the-shelf ICT solutions to increase competitiveness.

Valuable Advice & Funding Support

What about SMEs or Startups that are already tapping on digital solutions? Well, the Business advisors and consults will provide you guidance on how to increase cyber security. Similarly, Singapore government would work with firms to help them adopt impactful, inter-operable ICT solutions. Additionally, it also allows firms to level up the various sectors in Singapore.

What are you waiting for? Let’s Go Digital!

References

Vulcan Post | Techinasia | Channel News Asia | Business Times | Straits Times