Advanced Certificate Course on SME IPO and Compliances

DAY – 1 – Introduction to SME Listing and Strategic Planning

1) Overview of SME Stock Exchanges

• Understanding NSE Emerge and BSE SME platforms
• Opportunities and advantages of SME listing
• Why SMEs should consider going public

2) Strategic Planning for SME Listing

• Assessing the readiness of the business for listing
• Financial audits and due diligence preparation
• Enhancing corporate governance standards
• Engaging professional advisors (merchant bankers, auditors, legal counsel)
• Creating a robust business plan and financial projections

3) Step-by-Step Process for SME Listing

• Step 1: Engage with Merchant Banker
  Role and responsibilities of the merchant banker in the listing process
• Step 2: Pre-IPO Due Diligence
  Financial, legal, and regulatory due diligence
• Step 3: Preparation of DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus)
  Key sections of the DRHP
  Submission to stock exchange and SEBI for review
• Step 4: Pricing of Shares
  Determining the IPO price in consultation with merchant banker
• Step 5: Filing IPO Application with the Exchange
  Regulatory filings with SEBI, NSE, and BSE
• Step 6: Marketing and Roadshows
  Investor roadshows and meetings
  Pre-IPO marketing strategies to attract investors
• Step 7: IPO Subscription and Allotment Process
  Bidding and subscription phases
  Allotment process and listing of shares on the exchange

4) Case Study Discussion

• Real-world example of a successful SME listing
• Lessons learned from their listing journey

DAY – 2 – Regulatory Compliances Post SME Listing

1) Understanding Regulatory Frameworks

• SEBI and stock exchange compliance requirements
• Regular disclosures and periodic filings
• Compliance with corporate governance norms

2) Post-Listing Obligations

• Quarterly financial results and annual reports
• Related party transactions, internal audits, and risk management
• Code of conduct and ethics for listed companies

3) Managing Investor Relations

• Building transparency and trust with investors
• Shareholder communication and disclosure practices
• Investor grievance redressal mechanisms

4) Penalties and Risks of Non-Compliance

• Financial and reputational penalties
• Preventing non-compliance through robust internal controls

5) Practical Compliance Workshop

• Hands-on exercises in preparing mandatory filings
• Review of compliance calendars and tools for automation

DAY – 3 – Growth Strategies, Exit Options, and Scaling Post Listing

1) Post-Listing Fund Utilization

• Effective management and allocation of IPO funds
• Investment in business expansion and capital projects
• Compliance with fund utilization reporting

2) Growth Strategies for Listed SMEs

• Leveraging listing for market expansion
• M&A strategies and strategic partnerships
• Accessing institutional investors and growth capital

3) Transitioning from SME to Main Board

• Criteria and process for migrating to the Main Board
• Benefits and challenges of moving from SME to the main stock exchange

4) Exit Strategies for Investors and Business Owners

• Understanding the role of buybacks and M&As for investors
• Planning the delisting process (if required)
• Creating an exit strategy for founders and investors

5) Interactive Panel Discussion

• Insights from experts on successful SME listings
• Challenges and solutions in post-listing growth and compliance

Certificate and Evaluation

• Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.
• Evaluation Test:
  – One week after the course, participants will take a 50 MCQ evaluation test.
  – The test will cover all major topics discussed during the course, including the step-by-step listing process, regulatory compliance, and post-listing strategies.
  – Participants must score 60% or above to qualify for certification.

Sample MCQs for Evaluation

• What is the minimum eligibility requirement for an SME to list on NSE Emerge?
  a) ₹1 crore net worth
  b) ₹5 crore net profit
  c) ₹3 crore paid-up capital
  d) ₹10 crore turnover
• Which document is mandatory to file with SEBI before an SME IPO?
  a) Final Prospectus
  b) Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP)
  c) Articles of Association
  d) Annual Report
• What is the key role of a merchant banker in the SME listing process?
  a) Marketing the IPO
  b) Setting the IPO price
  c) Ensuring regulatory compliance
  d) All of the above