Mumbai, January 13, 2010 /India PRwire/ — Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in India have just a few days to apply for a share of the British Airways Business Opportunities Grant for SMEs across India. The scheme, part of the airline’s commitment to help India’s more than 13 million SMEs and to help stimulate local business will close registrations this week on Friday, January 15, 2010.
Fifty small to medium sized companies will be awarded grants giving them travel for one year to help support their business and seek out new opportunities. British Airways Business Opportunity Grants winners will be awarded 10 return British Airways Club World (business class) tickets to be used throughout 2010. The total value of the tickets is worth more than Rs 112,035,000/-.
Judy Jarvis, British Airways’ regional commercial manager, South Asia said, “The interest and level of applications for the British Airways’ Opportunities Grant has been very good and businesses have just a few days to make their formal application. After the 15th of January, all new applications will be closed and we will start the judging process and announce the 50 winners from India very soon. The winning SME’s will have the opportunity to use the ten business class tickets awarded to start their year long travel programme and meet their clients and prospects face-to-face and close important deals early in 2010.”
British Airways has always been in the business of connecting people. By providing opportunities for people to meet face-to-face, the airline aims to make business personal again.
For a chance to win, companies have to visit a dedicated micro-site: www.ba.com/india-grants and state their business objectives for 2010, and how a British Airways Business Opportunity Grant would benefit their organization.
Notes to Editor
Chance to win travel for a year
British Airways Business Opportunity Grants invites Indian businesses to make their case for an unmet business travel need and win travel for one year to attend crucial, face-to face meetings. The grants will allow each of the businesses 10 return Club World (business class) tickets anywhere on the British Airways network, to be used at their discretion in 2010. British Airways is covering the cost of the fare; winning companies are responsible for paying taxes, fees and charges.
Whether it’s a sit-down appointment with a potential client, buyer, investor or a visit to an office that has not been visited because of budget cuts, the programme is designed to help budget-conscious businesses get where they need to go, physically and financially.
Businesses interested in entering the competition should visit www.ba.com/india-grants to complete the entry form telling British Airways about their business objectives in 2010 and how a British Airways Business Opportunity Grant would benefit their business.
A panel of British Airways executives and independent judges, including the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) will review the entries.
Entries will be accepted until 11.59pm on January 15, 2010, and winners will be notified by the middle of February 2010, if successful.
Entries must represent companies with 250 employees or less. Full terms and conditions are available online at www.ba.com/india-grants
Hello..As i will be opening an office in the punjab ..I have noticed that it sometimes seems as if the internet and it’s potential are being missed ;especially regarding the young of INDIA.
The essential problem is how to help the millions who want to be entrepreneurs get started..often the most difficult part is the very first decision ..If this can be made without requiring money little time and risk it is more likely to be made.
We are at the cusp of a revolution in that for the first time in history we can offer the poor the same level field as the rich…The key ?
Cell phones which give internet access and enable anyone offer their services/ products to a world market ..cutting out the greatest problem for our young ..being tied to a location and always phyisical products.
A example of this opportunity in action ( no product ..only thoughts ) see txteagle.com
The basic requirement is internet access..via cells internet many charities are giving this free ..as we will …
It only requires 1 in a 1,000 to build a successful business and the benefits lift many from the poverty trap …
It’s time for the investors to realize the low risk of helping to start the revolution in using the intellectual assets of ALL …..or is it they have accountants minds and no vision ?
Ian amor ceo TMI