Circular to members # 76 May 23, 2012 Awareness session on Banking products and services for SMEs Members are informed that an awareness session on “Banking products and services for SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprises)” is being organized on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 during 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Association secretariat in collaboration with SMEDA (Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority). Considering the SMEs lack of awareness about sources of formal financing available to them from financial institutions and Banks in specific, identified in SME Policy and various other forums by Chambers, Associations, Banks and SMEs, an awareness campaign about relevant banking products and services is being proposed. The campaign aims at to target potential SME businesses which desire availing formal financing options. The campaign will be conducted by way of holding awareness seminars in six selected cities, covering SME business active areas in Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan. This activity is proposed to be conducted in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, assistance and participation of interested Banks and coordination of relevant Chambers/Associations. The seminars aim at to present working capital, project financing & trade/export financing options available to SMEs. Additionally, SMEs will also be given information on government schemes for SME sector i.e. Long Term Finance facility and Export Refinance facility. Additionally, SMEDA publication, “How to Approach Banks and Accounting Hand Book for SMEs” will be made available for sale to interested participants. Following topics will be discussed by the banking experts: Assessing financial needs of a business Basic concepts of assets, liabilities, working capital and increasing efficiency of asset utilization Banking services and products available for SME businesses Government schemes available for SME business i.e. Long term finance facility and export refinance facility Discussion on eligibility criteria for all schemes Detailed question answer session The seminar will provide an opportunity for exchange of dialogue between experienced and expert bankers and the SMEs owners. Participation from owner members and their relevant personnel is therefore requested. M. Siddique Secretary General 0306-2553947