DBS SME Banking doubles down on support for small businesses with new initiative to help companies achieve resilient growth

Singapore, 05 Aug 2026 - DBS SME Banking today announced that it is doubling down on its support for small businesses with the launch of “DBS for SMEs”. The new initiative aims to help local companies strengthen their resilience by addressing key operational challenges including working capital, digital payments transformation and AI adoption, as well as how to forge a path to sustainable growth.

The launch makes DBS the first bank to roll out additional support for local businesses, following the introduction of the Government’s SGD 900 million national support package^[1], which includes measures to help companies navigate immediate cost pressures while investing in longer-term transformation.
 

“DBS for SMEs” to connect businesses with expertise, networks and opportunities

The initiative harnesses the bank’s expertise, programmes and ecosystem partners to help businesses strengthen their foundations, seize new opportunities and stay competitive. Support offered will encompass three broad areas:

• Advisory and capability-building – The bank will roll out dedicated onboarding workshops and one-on-one advisory sessions for new clients, as well as industry-focused sessions for sectors including healthcare; building and construction; industrials, chemicals and materials. DBS will also deepen engagement for second-generation business owners through programmes covering leadership succession, digital transformation and peer networking. In addition, businesses will be able to tap the bank’s flagship programmes including Spark Gen AI and ESG Ready.

• Cross-border payments and foreign exchange (FX) solutions – To help SMEs better manage overseas supplier payments and FX risk, DBS will introduce more benefits and savings for cross-border payments and FX transactions. Through DBS, SMEs can reach 190 countries globally and transact in 132 currencies^[2], enabling them to expand their business to, or source goods from, anywhere in the world. To better protect cashflow and margins, the bank also gives companies the ability to lock in currency exchange rates in advance without credit lines^[3], enabling greater certainty and control over their cross-border transactions.

• Financing solutions – DBS will be expanding its financing solutions by increasing access to project loans to support companies undertaking capital-intensive projects, including those in building and construction. The bank will also increase access to working capital loans to all eligible companies through the enhanced Enterprise Financing Scheme, in partnership with Enterprise Singapore^[1].

All sessions are complimentary. Interested businesses can sign up here.

Nearly 1 in 2 SMEs pursuing diversification to reinforce resilience

The initiative is informed by findings from DBS’ latest Business Pulse Check Survey^[5], which highlighted SMEs’ priorities around diversification, resilience and technology adoption.

The study found that 45% of SMEs are prioritising diversification through new products, services or income streams, as businesses seek to reduce concentration risk and create new avenues for growth. At the same time, 43% of local businesses polled cited keeping pace with technological developments as one of their biggest challenges.

Against this backdrop, “DBS for SMEs” and a new brand campaign of the same name reflect DBS’ ongoing commitment to supporting businesses at every stage of growth. As Singapore enters its next phase of economic development^[6], the initiative aims to help companies balance immediate priorities with investments that strengthen their long-term prospects.

Sharon Tan, Head of SME Banking, DBS Singapore said: “In today’s environment, sustaining resilient growth increasingly depends on a business’ ability to anticipate and respond to change. ‘DBS for SMEs’ reflects our continued commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. It reflects our drive to convene the bank’s ecosystem of partners and capabilities to help small businesses navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and build enduring businesses for the future.”

“The campaign theme ‘From start to scale’ captures DBS’ ambition to support SMEs at every stage of growth – from laying strong foundations and adapting to change, to capturing new opportunities and scaling sustainably over time. Through this initiative and campaign, we hope to broaden the conversation on what it takes to succeed in today’s volatile operating environment, where resilience is as a strategic advantage.”

As part of the campaign, DBS will also spotlight a series of local entrepreneurs and the businesses behind Singapore’s everyday economy, showcasing how they are adapting to change in different ways. Read their stories and learn how businesses are growing from start to scale here.

^[1] Second Support Package in Response to the Continuing Middle East Situation

^[2] DBS GlobeSend for Cross-Border Payments | DBS Corporate

^[3] DBS SecureFX: Lock in Your Preferred FX Rates for up to 1 Month

^[4] https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/enterprise-financing-scheme

^[5] The 2026 DBS Business Pulse Check Survey engaged 730 companies across a range of industries to better understand the needs, concerns and aspirations of Singapore’s SME community. Fieldwork was conducted from December 2025 to January 2026.

^[6] The Economic Strategic Review is Singapore’s roadmap to drive growth, create good jobs and remain competitive in an increasingly contested world. Its recommendations are guided by three imperatives, including the need to build resilience alongside efficiency as shocks become more frequent.

About DBS 
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world. 
 
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named  “World’s Best AI Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the winner of multiple digital assets awards. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025. 
 
DBS provides a full range of services in Consumer, Wealth, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. 
 
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. 
 
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.