Bangkok: Government Savings Bank (GSB) is advancing the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the launch of the GSB Change Maker 2025 program. This initiative seeks to identify exceptional entrepreneurs, enhance business skills for the digital era, and distribute development grants amounting to over 500,000 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lapawan Chankrajang, Deputy Director and Acting Director of GSB, emphasized the necessity of equipping SMEs with modern skills and tools to navigate the challenges of the digital age. The bank has introduced the ‘GSB STEP and BOOST UP PROGRAM’ to provide comprehensive business development training and support to SMEs. This program offers essential knowledge, practical applications, and thorough consultations designed to empower SMEs to achieve self-reliance. This initiative aligns with the bank’s dedication to uplifting grassroots communities, fostering social development, and promoting savings.
The GSB STEP and BOOST UP PROGRAM targets SMEs, micro-entrepreneurs, SME startups, and community enterprises through a structured four-step process: management, marketing, and technological innovation training; digital skills workshops; Biz Clinic consultations; and monitoring the tangible results of business strategy developments. Fifteen entrepreneurs will compete to be named ‘GSB Change Maker 2025’ winners, with the evaluation based on business innovation, market understanding, future growth potential, and community impact. Mr. Peerayut Boonswat, Assistant Director of GSB, led the awards ceremony for the winners at the Burachat Auditorium, dividing the awards into two categories.
In the group/community enterprise category, Tipwaree Community Enterprise won first prize for their SAO SPARK beverage, receiving a 100,000 baht grant. Ban Thung Rung Arun Community Enterprise secured the first runner-up position for their processed cocoa products, earning a 50,000 baht grant. Agarwood Production Community Enterprise Group came in as second runner-up, with a 30,000 baht grant for their international market strategy. The third runner-up prizes were awarded to several enterprises, each receiving 20,000 baht for achievements in product development and marketing.
In the SME business group category, Tannit Genesis Lab Co., Ltd. claimed first prize for their lightweight prefabricated panels, receiving a 100,000 baht grant. The first runner-up, 4K Foods Co., Ltd., was awarded a 50,000 baht grant for expanding their factory operations. Tevada Global Co., Ltd. earned the second runner-up position with a 30,000 baht grant for brand development. The third runner-up prizes went to Singora Chocolate Co., Ltd. and Myth and More Co., Ltd., each receiving 20,000 baht for their innovative product advancements.
The GSB STEP and BOOST UP PROGRAM has, over its five-year tenure, trained over 5,000 SMEs, with more than 1,000 advancing to in-depth workshops. This underscores the pivotal role of GSB in fostering SME growth and aligning with its mission of social responsibility.