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In today's highly competitive gems and jewelry market, access to tools and funding for development and market expansion is key to growth. The Association recognizes this importance and wishes to present information on two flagship government programs that serve as crucial assistants for SME entrepreneurs: The SMEs Pro-active program and the Entrepreneur Promotion Program via the BDS system.
This program is managed by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce. Its primary, clear-cut goal is to push and support Thai entrepreneurs in penetrating foreign markets.
Core Principle: Focuses primarily on supporting "international marketing" activities.
Support Model: Provides a partial "expense" subsidy (Co-payment) within a specified limit (up to 200,000 THB per event, subject to annual conditions) for approved activities.
Who is it for? Entrepreneurs with export-ready products or services who want to expand their customer base abroad.
Examples of Supported Activities:
Participating in Overseas Trade Fairs: Such as JCK Las Vegas or the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Support covers booth rental, decoration, and public relations.
Travel and Accommodation: For participating in trade fairs or business matching activities abroad.
Organizing Business Matching: Arranging trade negotiations with potential buyers in foreign countries.
In simple terms: If your goal is to showcase your Thai jewelry brand on the world stage, find new foreign buyers, or participate in major trade fairs, SMEs Pro-active is the answer.
This program is managed by the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP). Its objective is to "increase the competitiveness" of SMEs through comprehensive, multi-dimensional development.
Core Principle: Focuses on "developing business potential from within" to build sustainable strength.
Support Model: Provides a "service fee subsidy" in the form of an e-Voucher. Entrepreneurs use this voucher for services from "Business Service Providers" registered with OSMEP, with varying subsidy ratios (e.g., 50% or 80%).
Who is it for? SMEs at all levels who want to develop or improve various aspects of their business, whether in production, marketing, or management.
Examples of Supported Services:
Product and Packaging Development: Designing new collections, developing beautiful and export-appropriate packaging.
Obtaining Standards Certification: Such as implementing ISO standards or other quality certifications necessary for building credibility.
Digital Marketing: Creating websites, running online advertising, SEO.
In-depth Consultation: Business strategy planning, financial and accounting management.
Personnel Skill Development: Sending employees to relevant training courses.
In simple terms: If you need to improve product quality, build a strong brand, market more effectively (domestically or internally), or need a consultant to help set up your back-office systems, the BDS program is the right choice.
| Issue | SMEs Pro-active Program | BDS (Business Development Service) Program |
| Responsible Agency | Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) | Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) |
| Main Objective | To drive exports and international market expansion. | To enhance capabilities and develop business potential from within. |
| Target Group | Export-ready entrepreneurs. | SMEs at all levels needing business development. |
| Support Type | Subsidizes "expenses" for international marketing activities. | Subsidizes "service fees" for business development via Service Providers. |
| Examples | Attending trade fairs, business matching abroad. | Packaging development, certification, online marketing, training. |
| Keyword | Go Global | Grow Stronger |
Entrepreneurs do not necessarily have to choose just one program. You can leverage both programs to create comprehensive growth. For example:
Use BDS to hire a consultant to design a new jewelry collection and develop packaging that meets international standards.
Then, use SMEs Pro-active to receive expense support to launch that new collection at a trade show in Hong Kong.
The Association truly hopes this article is beneficial to all members in understanding and selecting the right government support tools for their business goals. We recommend that everyone follow news and application announcements for both programs directly via their respective agency websites to avoid missing out on great opportunities.
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