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Singapore Small Enterprise Bureau
The Small Enterprise Bureau was established in 1986,
following
the economic slump, when the government realized the
importance of
developing and upgrading local small- and medium-sized
enterprises.
The bureau worked closely with the Economic Development
Board and
managed a number of assistance programs, some of which
predated the
bureau. Emphasis was placed on helping local firms to
improve and
modernize their plants and technology, product design,
management
skills, and marketing capabilities. Launched in 1976, the
Small
Industry Finance Scheme provided low-cost financing to
local smalland medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing and related
support
services. In 1985 this program was extended to the
nonmanufacturing
sector, and in 1987 some 1,125 loans amounting to S$297
million
were approved by the Economic Development Board under the
plan. The
Small Industry Technical Assistance Scheme, introduced in
1982,
provided grants to defray part of the cost of engaging
short-term
consultants and increasing or establishing in-service
training for
employees.
Data as of December 1989
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