Kasikornbank and Workpoint Entertainment have revised the concept for their jointly produced TV show for SMEs called "SME Tee Tak" by expanding into the provinces in order to broaden opportunities for entrepreneurs and provide financial services.
The new concept is part of the bank's policy to support businesses in terms of both financial services and knowledge for sustainable business growth, said Pakorn Partanapat, executive vice president of KBank.
When "SME Tee Tak" launched in February on Channel 5, businesses welcomed the show due to its fresh programme concept.
The revised concept targets 1 million viewers per week by yearend, up from the average of 650,000 now.
Besides a high rating, the show has also achieved its target of attracting people aged 30-45 who want to start their own business.
KBank believes viewers will learn about a variety of business models in Bangkok and upcountry from the revised concept.
"After airing, we target 30,000 people will join the KSME Startup Solutions programme. But only in the first six months, 20,616 people joined the programme.
"The number of programme participants is in line with the number of borrowers who want a loan to start their own business," he said.
There were 937 applicants for a new business loan and the bank approved Bt275 million for the SMEs, compared with 500 borrowers and Bt150 million in credit last year.
Panya Nirunkul, CEO of Workpoint and the host of the show, said filming on location would help the public to understand the production process and marketing strategy of each business before selling to the market.
The first shooting for the August 6 show will take place in Udon Thani, featuring two well-known businesses, Den Dim Sum and Jik Spa.