This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/small-business-big-change-fintechs-impact-on-sme-finance.
Exploring how FinTech transforms SME finance with innovative solutions, challenging traditional banking's limitations in a growing digital economy.
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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the unsung heroes of the global economy. Despite their pivotal role, SMEs often find themselves in the banking world’s blind spot. Banks allocate a mere 20% of their business banking budgets to their work with small and medium-sized businesses.

An Assessment of Key 5G Ecosystem Developments Including the Nokia DAC PW Compact Launch, Blackberry’s IoT IPO, and New Ericsson ConsumerLab Research

In this episode of The 5G Factor, our series that focuses on all things 5G, the IoT, and the ecosystem as a whole, The Futurum Group's Ron Westfall is joined by colleague and fellow analyst Todd R. Weiss, for a look at the top 5G developments and what’s going on that caught our eye.

Their conversation focused on:

Nokia DAC PW Compact Debut. The launch of Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) Private Wireless (PW) Compact provides a new configuration optimized to fulfill the private wireless connectivity demands of small- and mid-sized industrial sites. We examine how the new solution bolsters Nokia’s commitment to accelerate green energy adoption, including the potential digital ecosystem impact the Nokia DAC PW Compact solution can generate by supporting up to 60 percent more energy-efficiency than Wi-Fi, resulting in a considerably lower energy footprint.

BlackBerry Spins Out IoT Business Unit for IPO. Blackberry embarked on a major overhaul of its strategic direction following the company’s “Project Imperium” review. Blackberry’s board of directors resolved to separate its Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity business units in preparation for an initial public offering (IPO) of its IoT concern next fiscal year. They consider the warrant behind the move as it further sharpens Blackberry’s primary focus on providing services in security, including managed detection and response (MDR) and critical event management, following its 2019 $1.4 billion acquisition of Cylance.

Ericsson ConsumerLab Report Highlights Differentiated 5G Connectivity Opportunities for CSPs. The Ericsson ConsumerLab satisfaction and user-loyalty-focused report, “5G Value: Turning Performance into Value”, highlights the CSP business case potential for 5G as a growing number of subscribers around the world express increased satisfaction with 5G. The comprehensive research, which reflects the views of an estimated 1.5 billion consumers globally, including about 650 million 5G customers, is part of an Ericsson research series which has tracked the evolution of the 5G consumer market since 2019. They review the impact of key takeaways such as 20% of 5G smartphone users are willing to pay premium to CSPs for differentiated QoS and 5G consumers have a threefold more likelihood of switching providers due to poor connectivity experiences as major venues like stadiums, arenas, and airports, can have on CSP decision makers and the 5G ecosystem.

#Nokia, #private5G, #cloud, #industrialsites, #SMEs, #Blackberry, #IoT, #cybersecurity, #IPO, #Ericsson, #ConsumerLab, #consumer, #QoS, #smartphone, #wifi 

In this episode, seasoned experts Mark A Preston and Neil Patel delve deep into the untapped potential that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hold in steering their marketing strategies forward, especially in the realms of SEO and organic social media. In a climate where budget constraints can often hamper progress, they shed light on an empowering narrative that encourages business owners to take control.

Neil Patel advocates for a proactive stance, urging SMEs to utilise the resources at hand to carve out their niche in the digital landscape. From whipping out your phone to create content to dedicating time to learn the ropes of SEO, the path to success does not necessarily have to be paved with hefty financial investments. Mark A Preston echoes this sentiment, highlighting that the reluctance to invest time remains a significant barrier.

Join us as we unravel a path less travelled, one where the focus shifts from monetary investments to dedicating time and effort in honing one's skills in SEO and organic social media. It's a clarion call for SMEs to step forward, harness their ingenuity, and forge ahead in the digital marketing frontier, leaving no stone unturned.

Prepare to be inspired and equipped with the know-how to steer your SME into a future of self-sustained growth and vibrant online presence, right here on this enlightening podcast episode.

In this exclusive interview, Elected Member of the European Parliament Arnaud Danjean talks for the first time about his report on EU space-based defence capabilities that will be adopted by the end of 2023. He discusses new space threats, Russian spying satellites, EU's space industry, resilience of space systems and calls for a closer cooperation between the EU and NATO.

- episode in French -

Stephen Roper joins Core Insights host Trevor Barnes to discuss how the UK's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy and how his research is proving vital in their battle for growth and survival. Professor Roper is Director of the Enterprise Research Centre, the UK's leading centre for research into the growth, innovation and productivity of SMEs, shaping policies and practices. It is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Innovate UK (IUK), the British Business Bank and a range of other organisations. Listen to Professor Roper reveal the policies needed to drive growth for SMEs and establish the UK as a world leader in business innovation.

Read more from the Enterprise Research Centre:
Increased mental health sickness impacting firms, ERC report reveals
Find out more about the Enterprise Research Centre

Read more about Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Responsible AI - a new online tool to protect children from harmful content
How can digital platforms beat their rivals?
Beyond the hype: what managers need to ask before adopting AI tools

For more articles on Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship sign up to Core Insights here.

Did you know that today, only 1% of global corporate procurement goes to women-owned businesses? In 2023? Why is it that so few big corporates buy from women-owned businesses and what can women entrepreneurs do to win key contracts with them? Supply chain diversity is not only a buzzword, it's an imperative, if we are to unlock more global growth and close the global pay and customer gap for women founders. That's where WEConnect International comes in. They are on a mission to drive more money into the hands of women and help them better compete in the global marketplace. In this episode, you'll learn from Paulina Dri-Rabell, Market Lead for France, about how WEConnect helps women-owned businesses get certified and enter the corporate supply chain successfully, all over the world.  Learn why this can help more women owned businesses get luctrative corporate contracts, all about the certification process and how access to markets is a key funding and growth strategy for women founders. Paulina also shares her key tips to women founders on how build great relationships with corporates and much more! Get more information about WEConnect and the certification process in the show notes here:

Technology and novel business models are emboldening SMEs to tackle new overseas markets in the quest for rapid growth. 

In this podcast, Ray Suvrodeep and Jon Denny (HSBC) shed light on the myriad of treasury challenges these small firms face during a growth phase, and distinguish the critical factors that facilitate successful cross-regional expansion. 

People go for awards for many reasons, whether it is for personal gratification or business. What does having an award really mean? What does it prove? Is it just a night where people get dressed and act like they are better than others? Should it determine one's value?

Slaheoldine and Theresa discuss their thoughts about award shows in the construction industry. Should you be attending these events? Are they worth it? Are they fair? Do you dread these settings? 

One of us has a love/hate relationship with awards. Listen to find out why.

This week on the #PaisaVaisa Podcast, Anupam Gupta is joined by Susheel Agarwal, Founder & Director - Ethika Insurance Broking where they discuss how to choose the right health insurance policy, mistakes to avoid and much more! Anupam and Susheel begin the conversation on how Ethika works for various clients, what kind of risk they cover for a business and the benefits of group health insurance plans for employees and employers. Further, they even chat about various insurance products by Ethika, how one should choose a good health insurance policy, how to avoid getting stuck for claim for a long time and debunks some common myths around health insurance. All this and much more on this episode of #PaisaVaisa with Anupam Gupta.

Paisa Vaisa is India's leading podcast on personal finance with 1m+ downloads, 130+ hours of content and conversations, 150+ guests, and 300+ episodes. Since 2017, Paisa Vaisa has interviewed experts across the spectrum of personal finance covering diverse topics such as mutual funds, stocks, housing, loans, education, crypto, and much more. Listen in now to make smarter decisions with your money!

Know more about Jupiter: ( https://jupiter.money/ )

You can know more about Ethika: ( https://www.ethika.co.in/ )
Linkedin: ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/10313542/ )
Instagram: ( https://www.instagram.com/ethikainsurancepvtltd/ )
Pinterest: ( https://in.pinterest.com/ethika_insurance/ ) Facebook: ( https://www.facebook.com/ETHIKAINSURANCE/ )

You can follow Susheel on social media:

Twitter: ( https://twitter.com/susheel_agarwal )
Linkedin: ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/susheelagarwal/ )

Get in touch with our host Anupam Gupta on social media:
Twitter: ( https://twitter.com/b50 )
Instagram: ( https://www.instagram.com/b_50/ )
Linkedin: ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/anupam9gupta/)

You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios, or any other podcast app.

You can check out our website at https://www.ivmpodcasts.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Brad Yelland, executive director engineering & technology at Babcock Australasia, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the company is building a stronger and more resilient ADF.

The podcast begins with a discussion regarding Babcock's plans for strengthening maritime capabilities in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific - and how they have harnessed their international expertise while committing to developing a network of local SMEs - to make Australia a regional maritime hub.

The pair continue by analysing the company's recent growth, including their acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent of Naval Ship Management (NSM) and their seven an a half year Maritime Fleet Sustainment Service strategic partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force.

The podcast wraps up discussing the company's ambitions for the region - including using their expertise in submarine technology to support the development of an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability and supporting the development of the Babcock Arrowhead 140 frigate for the Indonesian Navy.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the Canadian economy and the workplace of many Canadians. But these businesses face steep difficulties in the coming years as COVID-19 government supports end. How can SMEs tackle challenges, such as skill and labour shortages, to flourish as businesses and employers?

In this episode we speak to three guests about the economic trends and opportunities facing SMEs in their region, from remote-first small businesses to new jobs in the green economy. They discuss the skills, roles, and supports needed to take advantage of these opportunities.

Speakers

Guests

Jason Rasevych, Partner, National Indigenous Client Services Lead, Deloitte Canada; President, Anishnawbe Business Professional Association
Dorinda So, Executive Director, pointA
Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Host
Linda Nazareth

 Links

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/

Future Skills Centre Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_en

The Conference Board of Canada Homepage: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/

The Conference Board of Canada Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConfBoardofCda 

The Conference Board of Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConferenceBoardofCanada/ 

pointA https://pointa.ca/

Halifax Chamber of Commerce https://halifaxchamber.com/ 

Anishnawbe Business Professional Association https://www.anishnawbebusiness.com/ 

Skilled at building profitable, scalable and purpose-driven businesses by delivering on his strong personal belief that anything is possible, global business leader, Brendan McGurgan is focused on making a positive and profound impact. With a commitment personally and professionally to achieving significant growth, Brendan is driven by his own purpose to inspire, connect and enable ambitious leaders of SMEs to scale with purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAY

“Are we being responsible here with how we're managing the resources that are finite? Scaling with purpose is about orientating yourself towards growth but doing it in a purposeful way making some positive impact, some social impact along the way.”

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS*

Start with Why by Simon Sinek - https://amzn.to/351G232

Atomic Focus by Patrick McKeown - https://amzn.to/35dm6KP

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor - https://amzn.to/3qNwCR4

RESOURCES

Kiran Pereira - https://www.sandstories.org/about

Podcast interview – Brendan interviews Amy Rowlinson - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/amy-rowlinson-how-to-define-your-vision-and-purpose/id1566729230?i=1000536953101

Podcast interview with Patrick McKeown - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/patrick-mckeown-how-you-breathe-at-rest-and-during/id1566729230?i=1000545731269

Podcast interview with Sherry Coutu CBE - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sherry-coutu-cbe-the-importance-of-attracting/id1566729230?i=1000544276976
Podcast interview with Russell Brand and Wim Hof – https://podcasts.apple.com/my/podcast/70-heal-yourself-with-the-ice-shaman-with-wim-hof/id1212064750?i=1000431405119

ABOUT BRENDAN MCGURGAN

Brendan began his professional career as a chartered accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (PwC) aged 21. He qualified at 24 and joined the leadership team of a scaling software company. After four years in that role, he joined CDE Ireland as finance director. At the time, this was a small, locally focused Northern Irish engineering company. He became Group CEO at 32, and in his twelve-year tenure in the post, he led the company’s scaling vision, transforming it into a large exporting business employing almost 700 people and achieving 25x revenue growth.

During his time as CEO, the company delivered almost £500 million ($750 million) cumulative revenue and £50 million ($75 million) cumulative profit from more than ninety countries. The company also generated considerable cash reserves and became a revered leader in its industry.

After retiring from CDE after 17 years, driven by his own purpose to inspire, connect, and enable ambitious leaders of SMEs to scale with purpose, he co-founded Simple Scaling with co-author Claire Colvin.

Brendan currently acts as a Non-Executive Director to CDE Asia (part of the CDE Group), a company he co-promoted in 2006. In 2019, he co-led the successful private equity funding round, which secured investment from IIFL, India’s leading integrated financial services group, to support the company’s future growth ambitions throughout the Asia region.

In 2016, he was awarded the Institute of Directors UK Young Director of the Year and Overall Director of the Year. An avid sportsman and advocate of self-leadership through good well-being practices, Brendan is also a Wim Hof Method instructor.

CONNECT WITH BRENDAN
www.simplescaling.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-mcgurgan-11854a13/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplescaling/

ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON

Amy is a Life Purpose Coach, Podcast Strategist, Top 1% Global Podcaster, Speaker, Mastermind Host and Property Investor. Through coaching and workshops, Amy works with businesses to Focus on WHY to create people-centred environments, by improving productivity and employee engagement by focusing on fulfilment, values and purpose.

WORK WITH AMY

Amy inspires and empowers entrepreneurial clients to discover the life they dream of by assisting them to make it their reality through their own action taking. Helping them to focus on their WHY with clarity uniting their passion and purpose with a plan to create the life they truly desire.

If you would like Amy to help you to launch your podcast or to focus on your WHY then please book a free 20 min call via www.calendly.com/amyrowlinson/enquirycall

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY

Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter

CONNECT WITH AMY

https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson

HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. 

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of Creating Markets, IFC speaks with Santiago Sosa, co-founder of the online commerce platform Nuvemshop about what it takes to start an online business and how to scale it. We also speak about the opportunities for growth and investment in Latin America and how to support small business owners so they can thrive.

Santiago Sosa’s platform, Nuvemshop 

SME Finance

IFC in Latin America and the Caribbean

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by shadow minister for defence industry Matt Keogh, who outlines his vision for the future of Australia’s defence industry.

The pair begin the podcast by discussing the Commonwealth’s new Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities, and the importance of translating the priorities into action.

They then analyse Labor’s recent commitment to conduct the first Defence Force Posture Review in eight years to ensure the ongoing warfighting capability of the defence force.

The pair then examine the relationship between primes and Australian defence SMEs, and the impact that the recent pandemic has had on Australia’s supply chains.

The podcast then wraps up by discussing the importance of having a sovereign defence industry to overcome shortfalls in the global supply chain.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team