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NUS-SBF Business Advisors Program

The Business Advisors Program is an initiative by SPRING Singapore which aims to match and deploy suitable graduates of NUS who have been displaced because of the financial crisis to work on short-term assignments with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

PMET (PMET: Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians) come with various skills, knowledge and experience. Many of them are mid-career executives with extensive experience and expertise in finance, operations, business development, marketing, human resource and corporate planning. They will be a potential source of business and managerial talent for SMEs.

NUS Business School in partnership with Singapore Business Federation and NUS Entrepreneurship Centre, and supported by SPRING Singapore, have initiated this Business Advisors Program. The aim is to facilitate matching between suitable PMETs who are also alumni of the School and SMEs.



Eligibility

  • All graduates of NUS with at least 5 years working experience
  • Are prepared to work full time for 3-12 months stint
  • Are prepared to work in an SME environment
  • Are willing to undergo a short “Train the Consultant” program
  • Possess critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, project management skills and leadership and business integrity
  • Are Singapore citizens or PRs
  • Are willing to undergo 2 days orientation
  • Are not family-related

Funding

  • Depending on the qualifications and work experience, selected individuals will receive up to a maximum of $5,000 per month for the duration of the project. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Quantum of fee payable will be decided by the Alumni BAP Selection Committee in consultation with the SME and SPRING Singapore.
  • SPRING will fund 70 percent of this project fee while the SME will fund the remaining 30 percent.

Additional Help

  • Should the need arises, alumni who are existing experienced Consultants or working professional will be on hand to help advise PMETs to consult for SMEs. This service is offered pro bono by the alumni.
  • PMETs can also look forward to being hired by these alumni Consultants after the completion of their SME project.



The Business Advisors will be able to provide the following services:
  • Understanding the need for strategic planning.
  • Developing market entry strategies as a means of expanding into new markets.
  • Learning the process of uncovering needs.
  • Acquiring new customers and retaining existing ones.
  • Understanding some critical financial ratios and how it can be used as a means of generating ideas for performance improvement
  • Branding and the search for differential advantage.
  • Web-based marketing.
  • For those in manufacturing, the impact of six sigma on process improvements, the streamlining of supply chains and other cost saving opportunities.

Suitable for SMEs with the following profile:
  • Fixed Assets not exceeding $15m (group basis)
  • Employing no more than 200 employees (for companies in service sector)
  • With at least 30 percent local equity
  • Committed not to displace existing employees
  • Committed to follow through on the implementation after the engagement is concluded
  • Are willing to undergo 2 days orientation
  • Are not family-related
Alumni who own SMEs and would like to benefit from the services of the Business Advisors, please register your interest.



If you are an Alumni Consultant who currently works in business/management consultancy, or an experienced working professional, and would like to offer a guiding hand to help induct a displaced fellow alumnus in consulting for an SME, please indicate your interest.

Your role will include:
  • Being a sounding board
  • Be available to provide practical advice (could be via email or telephone) on an ad hoc basis during the duration of the project
  • Be committed to follow through with a project until completion
Alumni Volunteers will receive a Certificate of Recognition for their service to the alumni community.

Alumni Volunteer can also look to hiring talented PMET in the process. The Program also offers a platform for networking with SMEs.