SMART Community Review (SCR) 2017 SMART PROGRAM | Page 12

Trade and Investment program, is hosting 5th more information, or contact SCE global by email: [email protected] S.M.A.R.T World Tour 2017-20 Trade Missions - Business Roundtables - Summits www.SMARTCommunityExchange.com Idea/Entry & Selection and Exit & Graduation The process of U.S. and International Market Entry or Expansion - consumes resources and time. As such, we must carefully select which companies are accepted as “SMART Soft-Landing Participants”. We select companies that will benefit from SMART soft-landing services, as well as meet requirements and criteria. We refer to selected companies as ‘participants’. As our soft-landing program is about guiding management teams from the entry/idea stage to the graduation stage, we select each participant with clear intent, understanding and belief that their business will grow and flourish as a result of SMART soft-landing program and ultimately graduate from the program. Company profiles may vary significantly according to our selection criteria, but successful graduation is always our common goal. Therefore, it is important to define an initial road map towards successful graduation and to select those companies willing and able, with our support, to reach this goal. The soft-landing process is tailor-made for each participant, taking into account the different sectors and markets in which these companies operate, since companies in different areas of business are likely to have different growth rates. Post-soft-landing services should also be considered, in order to provide the opportunity for successful companies to remain affiliated with the SMART Community Exchange (SCE) international community that nurtured their growth. Providing post-soft-landing services also allows undergraduate companies to interact with experienced and successful firms, in the same or similar industries. Figure below illustrates the process of SMART soft-landing program, with an emphasis on Entry and Graduation, as the beginning and end points of the *Soft-Landing process: IDEA/ENTRY Your Region SOFT-LANDING Your Region & USA GRADUATION - USA It is important to note that the idea/entry & selection, soft- landing in your Region and USA, and exit & graduation process above applies to our unique process. After graduation in the U.S., participants can decide, if they want to continue the post-soft-landing services, and/or as a SMART Community Exchange (SCE) partner organization. Outreach and Virtual Services We combine traditional soft-landing business services with outreach and virtual services. This permits more individuals/ companies to take advantage of the services while also enabling us to control costs by not charging companies for on-site offices/ employees etc. during the soft-landing process. Where soft-landing/ entrepreneurial activity is high, outreach and virtual services can be particularly effective. Outreach and virtual services provide participants with an www.SMARTCommunityExchange.com SMART Soft-Landing Program Brief opportunity to benefit from SMART soft-landing support at a minimal cost. The participants can benefit from access to interim U.S. or international management teams, virtual offices, and other business support services and strategic information exchange. Participants can also benefit from the networking activities that take place through the soft-landing and post-soft-landing process. Virtual services are the most effective way of communicating between participants in Your Region and USA. Nevertheless, virtual services can never replace the benefits obtained from person-to-person interaction. Participants receive one-on-one mentoring, advisory services, and invites to SMART Summits, during the soft- landing program both in Your Region and USA. We respond effectively and in real-time to the participant’s needs. Participants also benefit from the networking and strategic knowledge exchange from social interactions with other soft-landing and business professionals at SMART Summits, Trade Missions, and Business Roundtables. Connections We rely upon the connections all participants can establish, as the connections can result in new revenue streams, partnerships, or ideas that may prove financially successful. We make an effort to connect participants with individuals such as: Other public and private business service providers, such as lawyers, accountants, finance, technology, experts etc. these individuals may be able to provide services to our clients. Universities, technical centers and research institutions – These organizations can offer services, access to intellectual capital, and new technologies. Matching these organizations with participants can result in new business ventures and partnerships. Government agencies – These agencies are in a position to support participants and help improve the soft-landing environment through funding. Funds can be donated, offered as subsidies, or granted as a consequence of the regional/national policy. These agencies can also become potential clients of SCE participants. Financiers, including angel investors, banks and venture capitalists – These organizations and individuals are vital to all participants. For most companies, there is a time in their existence when an injection of capital will be required, and being on good terms with financiers and investors will assist in overcoming that obstacle. Local service providers – We forge strong bonds with local service providers, our Preferred Service Providers (PSP). These service providers can fill gaps in services that SCE cannot offer. In many cases, these firms can be persuaded to offer group discounts to participants, if a critical mass is reached. Private sector mentors, including entrepreneurs, multinational firms, and others – Mentors will provide participants with additional networks and guidance regard