Banking
NDB SME Centres propel the growth of SMEs across the country
View(s):Two more centres now open in Kalutara and Matara
NDB recently opened dedicated SME centres in Kalutara and Matara adding to its growing network of SME centres across the island.
Matara Photograph shows the first credit facility being granted to a SME owner in Matara by Mr.Raj Aboobucker Vice President and Head of SME/Retail Banking of NDB at the opening of the SME centre.Mr.GaminiChandrasekera – Manager of Matara Branch is also seen in the photograph.
NDB’s dedicated SME centre is designed around a unique concept which aims to educate, empower and enrich the entrepreneurs of a particular region. Through setting up of regional SME centres The Bank aims to operationalize the localised economic drivers and partnr the entrrepnuers in the area in their endeavours to maximise on regional business opportunities.
The SME centre is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the diverse needs of today’s entrepreneurs and provides 360 degree solutions; ranging from financial expertise on SME Banking services, industry expertise for new ventures to investment and capital management advice and a gamut of customized credit facilities made available over the counter.
The SME Centres are equipped with self-service features which include a computer terminal with internet facility that could be freely accessed by customers visiting the centre to obtain detailed information on SME customer services and new developments in the sector. A key highlight of this web resource is the ‘SME Toolkit’ powered by the IFC which is available in the preferred language of the user.
‘SME Toolkit’ is a technology solution introduced by the IFC, that provide information and communication technologies to help SMEs in emerging markets to learn sustainable business management practices. It consists of an easy-to-use Web and CD-ROM interface that allows users to search or browse to locate the content they need, a large set of best-of-breed SME business content with over 40,000 articles that cover the areas of Accounting & Finance, International Business, Marketing & Sales, Human Resources, Legal & Insurance, Operations, and Technology along with a business training curriculum for business development service providers and SMEs.
Another special feature of these SME Centres is the mini library rich with literature related to SMEs, financial services industry magazines etc. Dedicated financial advisors at the NDB SME Centre with a wealth of knowledge on SME services, financial management as well as business and investment management will be able to add value to the visitors by providing them with up to date, expert advisory services.
Commenting on the opening of SME Centres in Kalutara and Matara, Mr. Raj Aboobucker, Vice President and Head of SME/ Retail Banking of NDB said, “SME development has always been an integral component of NDB’s strategic intent. Having financially supported over 90,000 ventures and created more than 900,000 employment opportunities island-wide, we remain committed to empower the SME sector with the firm belief that an entrepreneurial culture is essential for the sustainable development of a nation. Opening of regional SME centres is a part of an island-wide endeavour of the Bank, which aims to provide a one-stop-shop with customised SME solutions to suit the particular needs of SME owners in specific regions. Through a joint effort with the IFC, we have been able to offer a unique service to SME owners in Kalutara and Matara with the introduction of ‘SME Toolkit’ as a web resource.
IFC’s ‘SME Toolkit’ has been instrumental in the success stories of many SMEs in over 29 countries and regions such as Nigeria, Nepal and even in some parts of UAE. We are glad to be able to offer this unique, valuable resource through our SME centres to help accelerate the development of the sector. Therefore, I would like to invite all entrepreneurs in and around Kalutara and Matara regions to pay a visit to our SME Centre and take advantage of the unique benefits in order to enhance and develop their businesses.”
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