SEC Secretary-General Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol said: “This seminar is the first opportunity of SEC to welcome SME entrepreneurs from all over the country that are members of the Federation of Thai SME. The main purpose of this seminar is to raise SMEs’ awareness about the role of capital market and how to access funds in capital market through various types of financial instruments. We view that our cooperation with the Federation of Thai SME will help SMEs access funds in the capital market more efficiently which is in line with the 3rd Thai Capital Market Development Plan (2017-2021). Also, helping SMEs to access funds in the capital market and use the proceeds to develop and increase their competitiveness in the industry as well as providing SMEs with sufficient liquidity to carry on their business is a part of government tasks outlined in the 20-Year National Strategy. The national master plan emphasizes nudging and enhancing the prospect of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups which are regarded as a significant driving force for the future growth of the economy at both provincial and national levels.” 

President of the Federation of Thai SME Dr. Noppong Theeraworn said: “SMEs and capital market seem normally irrelevant. Many SME entrepreneurs have no idea about capital market or think that capital market is for big companies. SEC sees this gap and therefore holds this seminar to introduce capital market and various fundraising channels to SME entrepreneurs. Fundraising from capital market will provide SMEs with sufficient liquidity to carry on or expand our business. SMEs can also use the proceeds to enhance our capability and enlarge our market domestically or overseas. After this seminar, SMEs will surely discover new ways to access another source of funds. The Federation of Thai SME advocates to be the solid network for SMEs in Thailand. We facilitate the connection among SME entrepreneurs across the country so that they can help each other to efficiently improve their local economy and response to government policies that declare SME promotion as a national agenda.”  

In the seminar, there was a special lecture on the topic, “Fundraising Channels for SMEs” by Mr. Paiboon Damrongwaree, Director of SEC Corporate Finance 2 Department, and a panel discussion on the topic, “SME Path into the Thai Capital Market” by Mr. Worapon Ponwanich, Founder and Managing Director of PeerPower Platform Company Limited, as a representative of crowdfunding portal service provider, Mr. Nisit Ajhanwong, Managing Director of SHIN-A Service Company Limited, Ms. Nuallaong Srichumpol, Managing Director of Banana Cake Company Limited, Mr. Thanawich Tonkanya, Managing Director of Horganice Company Limited, as representatives of SME/startup entrepreneurs, Mr. Krit Na Lamleang as a representative of angel investor and venture company (VC), and Ms. Sinida Petchveerakul as the moderator. More than 70 SME entrepreneurs in the network of the Federation of Thai SME attended the seminar which was also broadcast via SEC Facebook Page with more than 1,500 views. 

Additionally, SEC launches a microsite www.sec.or.th/starttogrow, an information center for SMEs about fundraising through capital market. This microsite will share knowledge about various channels of fundraising for SMEs as well as provide tools to help SME entrepreneurs find an initial suggestion regarding the fundraising channel that is suitable for their needs and businesses. 

Interested persons can watch the video of the seminar at https://www.facebook.com/sec.or.th/videos/1002546263566727.