SME Academy Resources
Started in 1989, WE-TRAIN offers vocational training in sewing, cooking, hairdressing, crafts, housekeeping, and Thai massage; access to income-generating activities; and informal education to women and children sheltered in emergency homes, as well as to the general public. WE-TRAIN also hosts seminars for social entrepreneurs.
Established in 2000 as an English language school for disadvantaged Thai women, Goodwill Group has since expanded its programs to include personal and career development services. The Foundation offers free language, computer, and vocational skills courses, as well as career coaching and job placement.
BAAC’s primary objective is to enhance the social and economic well-being of Thailand’s agricultural population through the provision of financial services, specifically in the form of loans for agricultural production, investments and marketing. It aims to boost the rural economy by offering finance services, creating jobs and adding value along the agricultural supply chain in Thailand. BAAC has 77 provincial offices and 1,118 branches throughout Thailand.
TCG is a state-owned specialized financial institution under the Ministry of Finance that was established to provide support to SMEs through guarantee service to those SMEs that have growth potential but lack collateral security in order to acquire loans from financial institutions. The service is focused on promoting three SME segments: innovation SMEs, micro-SMEs, and SMEs interested in investing in special economic zones.
The mission of the SME Bank is to provide financial and other services to advance the government policy of helping and promoting SMEs. Though not specifically geared toward women, a range of products are offered to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, such as credit guarantees and loans for business expansion and improvement. There are different credit options for SMEs: (1) productivity improvement loans of up to THB 5 million (US$ 150,000) for machines, automation, and process improvement; (2) “Happy Loans,” or revolving fund contracts to assist SMEs in 13 specific industries, including textiles and garments, food and beverage, wooden products, and construction; (3) loans of up to THB 1 million (US$30,000) for small enterprises; (4) credit for imports and exports; (5) start-up credit; and (6) credit for innovation activities such as filing a patent or upgrading equipment. The SME Bank also offers business-matching events, such as the Thai-Japanese 2013 event to link up SMEs in the auto industry and electronic parts sectors with Japanese customers and partners.
The objective of this THB 7.7 billion (approximately U $236 million) fund, introduced in 2012, is to raise the potential of women in every domain. It provides low-interest or zero-interest loans for investment in women’s development and in networks that address women’s issues. Individual members must be Thai and older than 15; organizational members must be women’s organizations dedicated to the well-being of society.
Established in 1961, NCWT supports women leaders and promotes the status of women in Thai society. NCWT is a member of the International Council of Women and the Confederation of Asian Women, as well as a consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Since 2003, it has sponsored an annual Thai Women’s Day on August 1, with speeches by female members of the royal family, panel discussions, and other activities to encourage greater recognition of the importance of women. NCWT also hosts events for International Women’s Day.
The WP&E club hosts private networking events, runs seminars, promotes healthy activities, delivers classes and tutorials, and supports organizations through philanthropy.
Since 1981, more than 8,000 entrepreneurs have graduated from ATSME training programs for small enterprises. There are ATSME branches in Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Uttaradit, Songkhla,and Ratchasima. ATSME publicizes events such as seminars with the SME Bank or training with the Thai Productivity Institute, and shares news items from Manager/ASTV News Corporation’s dedicated SME channel. The association’s activities also include business matching between provinces and among members, barter trade, goods exhibition in five regions of Thailand, e-commerce, and products exhibition in other countries.
A chapter of BPW International, the mission of BPW Thailand, which has 19 local associations across 20 provinces, is to promote gender equality, serve as a platform for exchange and cooperation, enhance women’s professional capabilities and global vision, and encourage their participation and attention on domestic developments and international affairs. In February 2014, BPW Thailand co-sponsors the Outstanding Women Leaders for Green Growth award to promote green growth initiatives among women business leaders.