SME Foundation is organising the 12th edition of the show
The 12th National SME Product Fair is set to begin tomorrow, highlighting Bangladesh's growing small and medium enterprise (SME) sector with a focus on expanding market access, fostering innovation, and promoting local entrepreneurship.
Organised by the SME Foundation, the eight-day event will take place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
At its core, the fair aims to provide market exposure for locally produced SME goods, facilitate business networking, and connect entrepreneurs directly with consumers, financiers, and policymakers.
Officials say the initiative is designed not only to showcase domestic products but also to equip SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and financing opportunities needed to scale up in a competitive environment—both locally and internationally.
"Many SME entrepreneurs face challenges in marketing their products despite high-quality production. This fair serves as a platform to bridge that gap," said Md Musfiqur Rahman, chairperson of the SME Foundation, according to a press release issued by the Foundation.
More than 350 SMEs are expected to exhibit at this year's fair, with 60 percent being women-led enterprises.
Exhibitors will span a wide range of sectors, including apparel, handicrafts, leather, agro-processing, ICT services, light engineering, and herbal products, the press release said.
It added that the fair also aims to enhance financial inclusion through daily banker-entrepreneur matchmaking events, where nearly 30 participating banks and financial institutions will guide entrepreneurs on accessing SME loans. In some cases, on-site loan applications may be accepted.
To strengthen knowledge sharing, six thematic seminars will be held between December 8 and 10, covering topics such as export diversification, innovation, halal certification, IP rights, blended finance, and skills ecosystem development. These sessions aim to inform entrepreneurs about regulatory, technical, and financing pathways critical for sustainable growth.
A key highlight of the fair will be the presentation of the National SME Entrepreneur Awards 2025, recognising six outstanding entrepreneurs in the micro, small, medium, and startup categories.
Since its inception in 2012, the SME Foundation has organised 11 national and 93 regional fairs, supporting over 5,000 entrepreneurs. According to the foundation, past fairs have generated Tk 57 crore in direct sales and Tk 93 crore in product orders.
The event's chief patron is The City Bank, with other sponsors including BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, Bank Asia, IDLC Finance, LankaBangla Finance, United Finance, and IPDC Finance.
Only locally produced goods will be allowed for display and sale, with no foreign or imported items permitted.
By combining exhibition, financial support, training, and policy dialogue, the fair continues to position itself as a key national initiative to elevate Bangladesh's SME ecosystem—a sector seen as crucial for job creation, inclusive growth, and industrial diversification.
The fair will remain open to visitors until December 14, from 10 am to 9 pm daily—with no entry fee.
