SME Basic FAQs

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. What is the National Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Plan (Plan)? Who is the target market of the Plan?

The National SMED Plan is a priority strategy for developing the SME sector that comprises 99.6% of the total Philippine enterprises. This is a government initiative for the SME sector in order to provide a strong domestic supply base for globally competitive industries.

2. What are the general objectives of the Plan?

The Plan hopes to achieve the expansion of the enterprise by graduating micro and small enterprises to higher levels of business undertakings and upgrading their productivity and value-added capabilities.

3. What are the specific objectives of the Plan?

The Plan has six-month objectives and three-year objectives.

Six-month (Jan-June 2003) objectives

• increase the share of small and medium segments from 8.7% to 10% by fortifying micro-enterprises into small businesses and generating new ones
• strengthen 20 strategic SME Centers all over the Philippines
• intensify awareness of government initiatives to provide assistance to SMEs

Three-year objectives

• increase the share of the Small and Medium segments from 8.7% to 12%
• increase productivity in terms of Gross-Value Added from 32% to 40% at the level of the Asian average

4. What are the basic strategies in implementing the Plan?

• aim at a comprehensive and integrated approach to SME development
• emphasize the seamless access to government services
• employ a supply-side push through financing, etc.
• aim for localization to directly address the concerns of the SMEs

5. What are the elements of the Plan?

• Financing
• Human Resource Development / Entrepreneurship Training
• Market Development
• Product Development
• Advocacy for Enabling Environment

6. Who are the key contact persons?

SME - Project Management Office (SME-PMO):
18/F, 139 Corporate Center, Valero St, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Telephone: 810-5791 local 230 / 813-5720
Telefax: 813-5720
Email: sme-pmo@sbgfc.org.ph

Financing: SB Corporation
18th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero St, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Telephone: 810-5791 or 95 / 813-5720 to 27
Fax No: 813-5726
Email: sbcorporation@sbgfc.org.ph

HRD / Entrepreneurship Training:Philippine Trade and Training Center
PTTC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Telephone: 834-1341 / 834-1344 to 49
Fax No: 834-1343
Email: info@pttc.gov.ph

Marketing: Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises Development
3rd Floor, Oppen Building, 349 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Telephone: 890-5682 / 897-1680
Fax No: 896-7916
Email: bsmed@dti.dti.gov.ph

Product Development:Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines
CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Telephone: 832-1112 to 18
Fax No: 832-3649
Email: pddcp@mozcom.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. What business is most viable to get into?

There are hundreds of businesses available. The viability of a business will largely depend on the following which an entrepreneur should analyze very well:

• market niche that needs the product/services
• knowledge of the product/services
• location of the business
• value-added of the product/services, in terms of quality and timeliness of delivery
• promotion
• availability of raw materials
• after sales service
• manufacturing capacity

2. Is there a need to prepare a business plan before implementing the business?

The business plan is a roadmap that will serve as a guide to the entrepreneur as he/she implements the business and as a monitoring and evaluation tool in assessing the progress of the business. It is not something that is permanent, but rather something that should be periodically updated as the market demand changes. Thus, the entrepreneur should seriously prepare the business plan before the start of the business.

All entrepreneurs, in one way or another, prepare a business plan. However, for the most part, a majority of entrepreneurs have their business plan residing in their minds or on little notes. When they started their businesses they relied solely on their gut-feel to tell them that their business idea is ok and that they should pursue it. But as the business progressed or investing more money into the business became more critical, these same entrepreneurs discovered how important it is to have a well-written business plan. So much so that they have had to hire a consultant to assist them in the preparation of the business plan.

FINANCE

1. What are the major financing programs under the Plan?

SULONG (SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth) Program is the brand name for the financing initiatives under the Plan. Under SULONG, government financial institutions (GFIs) have allocated funds to be lent out to SMEs. This will be achieved through the following:

• Standardized Unified Lending Program by GFIs for SMEs
• Standardized Accreditation Program by GFIs for rural and thrift banks

Moreover, the following policy, structural changes are being proposed to facilitate SME lending:

• COA rules
• BSP
• Improvement of credibility of SB Corporation through sovereign guarantee and increased subscription
• Operation of a credit bureau
• Implementation of a credit rating system

In addition, the 'One Town, One Product, One Million Pesos' Program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is also a part of the Plan.

2. How can SMEs avail of the funds being allocated by the government under SULONG?

SMEs can approach any of the following government financial institutions (GFIs):

• Development Bank of the Philippines
• Land Bank of the PhilippinesNational Livelihood Support Fund
• Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corp.
• Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency
• Quedan & Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation

3. Will SULONG replace the other programs and products of the participating government financial institutions (GFIs)?

No, the loans under the SULONG program are IN ADDITION to the existing financial services of the participating GFIs.

4. Who qualifies to borrow under SULONG?

Enterprises in all industries except trading of imported goods, liquor, cigarettes and extractive industries. Enterprises that are at least 60% Filipino owned, whose assets are valued at not more than P 100.00 M, excluding the value of the land, or subject to ownership rules as defined under existing Philippine laws for specific industries.

5. What type of loans may be funded?
For short-term loans, the entrepreneur may tap the program either for export financing (export packing credit) or a credit line for temporary working capital.

For long-term loans, SMEs may apply for loans for permanent working capital, or to purchase equipment, a lot or to construct a building/warehouse.

6. What is the maximum financing?

For short-term loans, the program can fund up to 70% of the value of the LC/PO (export packing), or 70% of working capital requirement (temporary working capital); maximum of P 5.0 M. For long-term loans, 80% of the incremental project cost, maximum of P5.0M.

7. What is the repayment term?

For short-term loans, a maximum of one year. For long-term loan, a maximum of five years, inclusive of a maximum of one year grace period on principal monthly amortization.

8. Are collateral required? If so, what assets are acceptable?

The program will not decline a loan only on the basis of inadequate collateral. However, the borrower must be willing to mortgage any available business and personal collateral, including assets to be acquired from the loan, to secure the borrowing.

The following are acceptable collateral: postdated checks, registered/ unregistered real estate mortgage (REM) / chattel mortgage (CHM), or the assignment of life insurance. In addition, for franchisees, the following may be considered: corporate guarantee and assignment of lease rights.If the loan purpose is for export packing credit, a borrower may assign his letter of credit (LC)/PO or sales invoice.

9.What financial ratios/hurdles must a borrower meet?

The debt-equity ratio must at most be 80:20 after the loan. For franchisees, the required ratio is 70:30.In addition, the borrower must show positive income for the preceding year. Should the SME borrower's financials show negative income in the past year, the government financial institution (GFI) may consider their average income for the last two or three years.

10. What is the interest rate for loans under this program?

The participating government financial institutions (GFIs) will charge the same rate for the program based on a regular review. In its program launch, the interest rate for loan releases until June 30, 2003 shall be: 9% for short-term loans; 11.25% for medium-term loans of up to 3-years and 12.75% for loans over 3-years to five years.

11. Aside from the interest rate, what fees must be paid?

A one-time application and evaluation fee of P2,000 for every P 1.0 M, a front-end fee of 1% of approved loan, and a commitment fee of 0.125% of the unavailed balance for long term loans.

12. How long does it take to process the loan?

This will depend on the government financial institution (GFI). For example, SB Corporation can process the loan within 2 weeks after receipt of complete documentation.

TRAINING

1. What are the key training initiatives under the Plan?

The training and entrepreneurship development programs of the National SME Agenda seek to provide existing and potential entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competitive players in the local or global market. It also seeks to create a pool of SME trainers, advisors and counselors who can effectively assist SMEs nationwide.

2. How can the SMEs avail of training programs? How much are the training courses?

Training programs are provided by both the private and government institutions and are available either for free or for a fee. SMEs must get in touch with the corresponding agency providing the training they would like to attend and register their names. They can check the major daily newspapers for the schedule or call Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) at telephone numbers 834-1344 to 49, or send a fax to 8341343 c/o Ms. Beth Manuel or Narcel. The seminar fees vary depending on the type and duration of the training.

Training programs are also available in the regions and provinces. They can check with the regional and provincial offices of the different agencies for the schedule.

3. What is business counseling?

This is a service being provided to the SMEs wherein the business counselor explores with the entrepreneur the possible alternative solutions to the business management problems being encountered by the entrepreneur. The final decision, given the alternatives, still rests with the entrepreneur.

4. Where are business counselors located?

Business counselors are assigned to the SME Centers at the regional and provincial offices. SME Centers are the result of a joint undertaking by the private sector and government agencies, as initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry through its Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (DTI-BSMED). For more information, you may contact BSMED at telephone numbers 897-1680 / 897-7596 / 890-4968, fax number 896-7916 or e-mail: bsmed@dti.dti.gov.ph.

5. How can I become a business counselor?

PTTC accredits individuals who successfully complete its Business Management Systems (BMS) course as business counselors. For more details on the BMS course, you may contact Ms. Beth Manuel at 831-9988 or 833-9325.

6. Where can I obtain training on how to prepare a business plan?

The Philippine Trade Training Center of the DTI (DTI-PTTC) provides training on business plan preparation. This is a 3-day program that will enable the participants to come up with a business plan for their enterprise.

MARKETING

1. What are the key marketing initiatives under the National SME Development Plan?

The marketing objectives of the Plan are to increase the exposure of SME products in domestic and foreign markets, and to improve the distribution of SME products among and between the local manufacturing and trade sectors. These will be done through the organization of trade fairs, the creation of buying and selling missions, the establishment of SME Trade Houses, and through the administration of buyer-supplier matching services.

2. Where can I get a list of possible buyers for my product?

There are several ways through which you could find buyers for your product. One is to market your product amongst the members listed in the Trade Association Directory. A copy of the Directory can be obtained for P500 at the office of the Bureau of Domestic Trade (BDT), located at the Trade & Industry Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

The BDT also provides market matching assistance to help locate buyers for your product. Online market matching services are also available through Tradeline Philippines and at DBP.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & TECHNOLOGY INTERVENTION

1. What are the key product development initiatives under the National SME Development Plan?

There are two main product development objectives under the Plan. The first is to create and sustain competitive advantage through product and package design and development, as well as through technology intervention. The second objective is to create an awareness and understanding of product development, its processes and how a company can use it to its advantage.

2. How can I avail of product development services?

There are several agencies that provide a variety of product development services and technology intervention assistance. Contact the agency that handles the type of service you need:

• Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) - the Product Clinic; Tel. Nos.: 832-1112 to 19; 833-7881; E-mail: pddcp@mozcom.com; pddcp@dti.gov.ph
• Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI); Tel. Nos.: 837-2071 to 82 loc. 2182
• Technology Application & Research Institute (TAPI); Tel. Nos.: 837-2071 loc. 2130
• Metals Industry Research & Development Center (MIRDC); Tel. Nos.: 837-2071 to 82 loc. 2407
• Forest Products Research & Development Institute (FPRDI); Tel. Nos.: (049) 536-2360, 536-2377; E-mail: fot@dost.gov.ph
• Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI); Tel. Nos.: 837-2071 to 82 loc. 2360
• Packaging Research & Design Center of the Philippines (PRDCP); Tel. Nos.: 837-2071 loc. 2271, 2206
• Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD); Tel. Nos.: 807-0721; E-mail: bfad@bfad.gov.ph
• Bureau of Product Standards (BPS); Tel. Nos.: 890-4965, 890-4946; E-mail: bps@dti.gov.ph
• Food Development Center (FDC); Tel. Nos.: 828-4015, 838-4601

3. How much are these services?

The fees of the services vary depending on the project and the number of times the client has availed of the service.

ADVOCACY FOR AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

1. What are the laws governing SMEs?

SMEs are governed by RA 9178, an act to promote the establishment of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) providing incentives and benefits.

Also, SMEs are governed by RA 6977 as amended by RA 8289. RA 6977 is the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises, an act to promote, develop and assist small and medium scale enterprises through the creation of a Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council, and the rationalization of government assistance, programs and agencies concerned with the development of small and medium enterprises, and for other purposes.

2. What is the BMBE Law?

RA 9178 is the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) Law, an act to promote the establishment of barangay micro business enterprises, providing incentives and benefits. For detailed information on the BMBE Law, please visit the SME Laws and Incentives section.

You can also download this form which should be submitted to the City/Municipality Treasurer as stated in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the BMBE Act.

download file

3. Where can we register our complaints about local government, etc.?

Complaints can be addressed by one-stop shop centers located in various areas across the Philippines. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) organized these centers.

4. What is the government doing to reduce the cost of doing business for SMEs?

The government provides for a seamless access of services. The lead agency is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI is implementing various efforts such as consolidating business registration requirements, buyer-supplier matching, streamlining financial requirements of government financing institutions (GFIs) and other similar initiatives towards reducing the cost of doing business.

5. What are one-stop shops? How are they different from SME Centers?

One-stop shops are venues provided by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to address complaints and other concerns about the local government.

SME Centers are venues provided jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry and by either the local government unit (LGU) or the private sector to render a range of services to assist both start-ups and already established SMEs in addressing their business needs. The SME Centers offer business counseling, as well as service facilities such as fax, computer and the like.

Source: http://www.business.gov.ph/SME_Basics_FAQ.php