by Oh Boon Ping

A SINGLE access point where information on government schemes, programmes, regulations and licences is freely available. Yes, that is the EnterpriseOne initiative which aims to serve the broad-based information needs of enterprises.

Launched in 2006, the initiative now includes features such as EnterpriseOne Portal, EnterpriseOne Hotline Service, EnterpriseOne Business Information Service (EBIS) and a network of Enterprise Development Centres (EDCs) run by the chambers of commerce and associations.

Enterprises can gather information on more than 30 government agencies' schemes and programmes through the self-help and user-centric EnterpriseOne portal at www.business.gov.sg which is supplemented by a hotline service (65-6898-1800) managed by Spring Singapore.

As for enquiries that cannot be addressed by EnterpriseOne adequately, they will be referred to the relevant agencies for follow-up. The agency concerned will contact the company directly within five working days.

In addition, enterprises can also tap the EDCs for business advisory services to upgrade their management, financial and manpower capabilities. They also have access to trusted and affordable management and business information provided by EBIS to help them stay competitive.

To date, EnterpriseOne has assisted more than 20,000 companies/ businesses and the portal has served more than 450,000 unique visitors last year. It was also awarded The Enterprise Challenge (TEC) Public Service Innovation Gold Award in 2006.

One company which has benefited from EBIS is Favourite Technology Private Ltd. Said managing director Philip Gu: 'EnterpriseOne is the gateway and bridge to doing successful business in Singapore.'

'Information is power. Its rich, deep and useful content is a great help to my business in Singapore and beyond. It is critical for us, as a luxury food manufacturer, in getting the right consumer market information to make the right decision.'

He added: 'With EnterpriseOne's information and guides, I find that it's so easy and hassle-free doing business in Singapore. It gives me comfort and confidence. With my knowledge in over 40 countries in the Asia-Pacific, I find EnterpriseOne is the only such comprehensive, yet easy-to-use government site I have ever encountered, helping the business sector in such a quick, convenient way, and even with step-by-step guides in all business aspects.'

Another firm, Purpleclick Media, found the services of EBIS extremely helpful for researching on overseas ventures.

Said Purpleclick founder Leonard Tan: 'I am impressed with the way the info-consultant at the EBIS centre patiently went through the requirements for market data and the purpose of the information. Also, the report was completed within three weeks. It provided us with very comprehensive data on the target markets. The report covered advertising trends, demographic information and a list of competitors.'

Mr Tan found the research on Internet penetration rates and online usage particularly useful. He added that EBIS provided a good source of business information that would empower any organisation looking to venture overseas.

Spring Singapore director for enterprise services, Gwee Seng Kwong, said: 'EnterpriseOne is a whole-of-government initiative to address the need for a one-stop for SMEs. The initiative has brought about greater convenience and faster response to SMEs and entrepreneurs by pulling and customising government information and assistance to meet their needs. With EnterpriseOne, help for SMEs is just a click, a call or a centre away.'

Businesses wishing to make suggestions to the Pro-Enterprise Panel on how to cut red tape can do so at www.pep.gov.sg.

The Pro-Enterprise Panel was set up in 2000 to solicit feedback from businesses on how government rules and regulations can be improved to create a more pro-enterprise environment. The PEP is chaired by Civil Service Head Peter Ho and consists of mainly private-sector business leaders.

This article was first published in The Business Times on July 22, 2008.