DBS puts Singapore's SMEs in the spotlight this National Day

DBS is expanding its support for Singapore's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the launch of a new initiative aimed at helping businesses navigate rising cost pressures, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen long-term resilience.

Dubbed "DBS for SMEs", the initiative brings together advisory services, upskilling programmes and financial solutions to support businesses across areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital payments, sustainability, cross-border trade and financing.

The launch also coincides with a new National Day campaign under the same "DBS for SMEs" banner, which will spotlight local entrepreneurs and businesses that form part of Singapore's everyday economy, showcasing how they are adapting and growing amid an evolving business landscape.

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The launch comes shortly after the Singapore government unveiled its SG$900 million national support package for businesses, positioning DBS as the first local bank to introduce additional support measures in response to the latest economic challenges.

Under the initiative, SMEs will gain access to complimentary onboarding workshops, one-on-one advisory sessions and industry-specific engagements covering sectors including healthcare, building and construction, and industrials, chemicals and materials.

The bank is also expanding programmes for second-generation business owners, focusing on leadership succession, digital transformation and peer networking. Businesses will additionally be able to participate in DBS' existing 'Spark Gen AI' and 'ESG ready' programmes.

Beyond capability building, DBS is introducing enhanced cross-border payment and foreign exchange (FX) solutions to help SMEs manage overseas supplier payments and currency risks. Businesses will be able to transact across 190 countries in 132 currencies, while also accessing tools that allow them to lock in exchange rates in advance without requiring credit lines.

On the financing front, DBS said it is widening access to project financing for companies undertaking capital-intensive developments, particularly within the building and construction sector. It will also increase access to working capital loans for eligible businesses through the enhanced Enterprise Financing Scheme in partnership with Enterprise Singapore.

The initiative is underpinned by findings from DBS' latest "Business pulse check survey", which found that 45% of Singapore SMEs are prioritising diversification through new products, services or income streams to strengthen business resilience. Meanwhile, 43% said keeping pace with technological developments remains one of their biggest business challenges.

DBS said the programme is designed to help businesses balance immediate operational priorities with longer-term investments in growth and transformation.

“In today’s environment, sustaining resilient growth increasingly depends on a business’ ability to anticipate and respond to change. ‘DBS for SMEs’ reflects our continued commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. It reflects our drive to convene the bank’s ecosystem of partners and capabilities to help small businesses navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and build enduring businesses for the future," said Sharon Tan, head of SME Banking, DBS Singapore.

She added, “The campaign theme ‘From start to scale’ captures DBS’ ambition to support SMEs at every stage of growth – from laying strong foundations and adapting to change, to capturing new opportunities and scaling sustainably over time. Through this initiative and campaign, we hope to broaden the conversation on what it takes to succeed in today’s volatile operating environment, where resilience is as a strategic advantage.”

Brands have increasingly used National Day campaigns to go beyond celebrations, leveraging the occasion to reinforce their role in Singapore's future growth and development. Last month, Singtel unveiled its National Day film, "Beyond connection", positioning itself as an enabler of Singapore's digital transformation and AI ambitions.

The film traces Singapore's journey from independence to its aspirations of becoming a smart nation and regional AI hub, while charting Singtel's own evolution from a national telecommunications provider into a digital infrastructure and services group. The campaign also spotlights the company's investments in subsea cables, satellite communications, advanced mobile networks and AI-ready data centres, framing them as the digital backbone supporting Singapore's next phase of growth.

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