Thai Bank TTB Launches Growth Navigator Program for SMEs
Thai-Japanese Bank launched a Growth Navigator program connecting over 250 food and consumer goods SMEs with ecosystem partners to address challenges like high costs, limited technology adoption, and lack of long-term planning strategies.
Thai-Japanese Bank (TTB) has elevated its role to 'Growth Navigator' by hosting the SME Growth Navigator powered by ttb LEAN: Networking Day for entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors. The event attracted over 250 SME companies and partnered with 13 public and private sector organizations to share business knowledge, real-world experience, and build collaborative networks aimed at helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
Pierpong Nithikaiwut, head of TTB's business customer strategy group, said Thai SME operators face multifaceted challenges including economic slowdown, shifting consumer spending, elevated operational costs, and intensifying competition. He noted that today's SME challenge extends beyond survival to requiring adaptive strategies for long-term growth. TTB's data reveals many entrepreneurs struggle with critical growth obstacles such as prioritizing short-term problem-solving over long-term planning, limited technology and AI adoption, weak strategic risk management, misaligned sales growth with operational efficiency, and lack of clear business direction.
"TTB believes banks today must be business partners, not just financial providers," Pierpong said. "We're stepping into the 'Growth Navigator' role to comprehensively support Thai SMEs through capital, digital tools, knowledge, and business networks." The event featured expert speakers including a keynote on second-half economic outlook and SME growth strategies, plus networking sessions, business showcases, and one-on-one matching opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with ecosystem partners and explore collaboration opportunities.
