Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which need expert advice in these trying times but cannot afford it can now turn to the inaugural Business Advisers Programme (BAP).Spring Singapore will fund up to 60 projects, paying 70 per cent of the $5,000 per month project fee in each case. The SME will pay the other 30 per cent. There will be one adviser per project. Each SME can have up to two projects. Whether the SME takes up one or two projects, the entire project duration must not exceed 12 months.

Applicants must have at least five years' relevant working experience and should be available for short-term assignments. SMEs must agree not to displace existing staff by taking on the business advisers. It is good to give others a chance to work but they must treasure the chance people had given them.