The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) modified and renamed an erstwhile Small Industries Cluster Development Programme (SICDP) and introduced the Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) in October 2007, aimed at:

-> Addressing common issues of MSEs such as tech-upgrade, access to markets, capital, etc.
-> Building Capacity of MSEs through creation of consortia, self help groups, associations, etc.
-> Creating or upgrading infrastructural facilities in the clusters.
-> Establising common facility centres such as testing labs, training centres, raw material depots, effluent treatment plants, etc.

Apart from MSE-CDP, the Lean Manufacturing Programme and Promotion of Information and Communicaton Technology are cluster-based programmes. The former trains clusters in eliminating manufacturing waste and streamlining systems, while the latter assists clusters in adopting IT application in their entire chain of business.

How to avail benefits under the MSE-CDP initiative?

-> Send proposals to the office of Development Commissioner (MSME) through concerned State Governments or institutes of Ministry of MSME.
-> An MSE-CDP Steering Committee will approve these proposals.
-> Mentoring activities and funding patterns of MSE-CDP can be accessed from:-

http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/schemes/ModifiedGuidelinesofMSE.pdf

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The amount of time taken for investments due to the complex procedures leave many in frenzy. But it’s the internet services that are going to help everyone bringing about a relief while carrying out investments. It has become a huge resource for people who don’t have to spend time checking and re-checking forms, applications etc as the internet will not allow you to make mistakes.

So let’s have a look at the services offered by the net.

ONLINE BANK ACCOUNT
This service helps you to check your account from anywhere without much hassle. You can transfer funds, make payments, pay your electricity, phone bills without the use of checks. An easy method for those who still find banking complex.

ONLINE SHARE TRADING
Well those who are tired of the traditional method of purchasing and selling shares, this online trading method is a boon. You can view prices real-time, with data such as the best five ask and bid price, along with other parameters like the day’s high, low and the volumes traded. You can also analyse your portfolio online. “Today, a total of 11% of all equity trades are executed online, compared to 9.5% a year ago,” says Aseem Dhru, MD and CEO, HDFC Securities. The ‘lite’ versions launched by some brokerages work fine in case you are using a low speed internet.

MUTUAL FUNDS
Now Mutual Funds can also be bought online. It’s just a click away. You don’t have to sign for every investment and there is less paper work. And if you are a new user and have just no idea how to get about such sites; then there are various sites that give a detailed overview of the whole process-something like “Mutual Fund for Dummies”.

COMPANY FDS, BANK FDS AND BONDS
Though they carry higher credit risk, company fixed deposits offer a higher interest rate than banks. “We do a due diligence before recommending fixed deposits to our investors,” says Mr Arora of ICICI Securities. You can invest in fixed deposits online.

IPOS
Investors applying in IPOs can use the Applications supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) route. If you have an online broking account, an ASBA application can be done at a click of a button.

INSURANCE
Insurance companies like HDFC securities and Religare offered Insurance facilities online. You can buy certain Ulips and term insurance online.

CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards usage is very popular on the internet as it’s easy to purchase stuff through it. And with increased security measures, it’s faster and safer. You get reminders for your bill payments and help you to keep track of your expenses.

HOME LOAN SERVICING
Many banks like HDFC Bank allows customers to pay home loan EMIs online. This works best when you are stationed abroad.

With so many services just a click away finances can be easily taken care of. The amount of work and tedious nature of the job involved while doing investments leaves everyone exhausted. But the internet has been a boon and it would be fruitful for all to use it diligently.

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Why do companies go for an IPO? What are its benefits?
Companies float an IPO to raise capital. Listed companies get access to cheaper capital. Since they are more compliant and transparent, and are subjected to scrutiny by various authorities, they can get access to lower interest rates when they issue debt. A listed company can issue more stock and raise fresh capital faster than an unlisted company. They can also offer their own stock to buy out a company. Hence, mergers and acquisitions are easier for listed companies since they can issue stock as part of the deal. A listed company can offer ESOPs to employees, which is an attractive retention tool. There is also a considerable amount of prestige that follows a successful listing.

How can an IPO be structured?
An IPO can be done either through a fresh issue of shares or through an offer for sale of existing shares to investors. If fresh shares are issued, the company’s fresh capital is injected into the business and its equity base increases. The stake of existing investors in the company decreases, to that extent. When existing shareholders of the company sell equity shares that they own, then it is called an offer for sale. In this case, there is no infusion of money in the company. The existing shareholders, sell their stake usually for a profit.
How long does it take for a company to list post-IPO?
In a recent directive, Sebi has ordered companies to get their issue listed within 12 days, from the date of closure of the IPO. Earlier, it took companies 22 days to list the IPO.

How is an IPO priced?
IPOs are priced by companies in conjunction with merchant bankers. Essentially, there are two ways of pricing an IPO — the fixed-price route and the bookbuilding option. In a fixed-price mechanism, the price at which the shares are issued to the public is disclosed, before the issue opens for subscription. In the book-building process, the company announces a price band within which investors have to bid for the shares. The lower end of the price range is called the floor and the upper end is called the cap. After the bidding process is complete, the cut-off price is arrived at based on the demand of securities. Retail investors have the option of bidding at a cut-off price.

Source: Economic Times

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The SEBI move is a major step towards corporatisation of Indian Franchisors.

Key Points to Note:
- Disclose Financial Results every Six Months instead of Three Months: This would reduce the cost of Audit required for a regular listed company which is every quarter
- Share Key Important Facts instead of the Full Annual Report to Shareholders. There is a huge printing cost for the annual reports, this can thus be avoided.
- Make Financial Results available on website, instead of publishing it in newspapers: Another Effort thereby helping listed SME’s reduce cost.
- Maintain a Public Share holding of atleast 75%
- SMEs that are consistently growing, will have the option to upgrade themselves to the main stock exchange, having capital between Rs. 10 Crore and Rs. 25 Crore.
- SMEs wanting to be listed, would need to have their issues 100% underwritten and the investment banker / merchant banker shall underwrite 15%. The investment banker will have the liberty to allot

Regular Stock Brokers, its sub brokers and franchisees will be able to trade on SME Exchange, without any additional registration.

About the Author
Dhawal Shah is an entrepreneur and franchise expert with many years of experience. He publishes FranchiseExpo.in the fastest growing franchises for sale search engine, helping buyers and sellers of franchise opportunities. FranchiseExpo.in has many resources to help you on your journey to start your own business, sell your existing business or open a franchise. FranchiseExpo.in has hundreds of franchises for sale in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Source: http://franchiseexpo.in/franchise_news_may_2010/Getting_your_Franchise_Brand_Listed_on_SEBI_SME_Exchange1119.cfm

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Thank you sir for such nice presentation made by you.
Courtesy: Nijay Gupta | Email: nijaikgupta@yahoo.com

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