Department of Business Development Drives Community Enterprises in 2026, Enhancing Comprehensive Trade Skills for Sustainable Nationwide Growth

The Department of Business Development is stepping up its efforts to strengthen community enterprises nationwide in 2026 by enhancing comprehensive trade skills, expanding market opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth for community products across Thailand.

According to Mr. Poonpong Naynapakorn(พูนพงษ นัยนาภากรณ), Director-General of the Department of Business Development, the Department is advancing community enterprise development through the “Smart Skill Community Business Development Project 2026.” The project aims to strengthen business perspectives and enhance marketing capabilities among community entrepreneurs, enabling them to adapt to market changes, improve competitiveness, and generate stable income for local communities.

The initiative is implemented through three key activities designed to support entrepreneurs throughout the entire business development process.

The first activity, SMART Local Clinic, focuses on providing direct, practical business consultation at the local level. Under this activity, the Department will deploy business experts to conduct on-site business clinics in various provinces. These clinics aim to identify business challenges, provide tailored advice, and offer practical solutions to help community entrepreneurs improve product development, business management, and market access. A total of four clinics will be organized across the four regions of Thailand, benefiting more than 120 community enterprises.

The second activity, SMART Local Camp, is an intensive business incubation program that emphasizes the development of essential trade skills. The camp focuses on five key areas: branding, product storytelling, product presentation and display, presentation and trade negotiation skills, and business structuring and planning. The program aims to develop participants into the third generation of “Outstanding Community Entrepreneurs,” with 40 selected entrepreneurs taking part. The camp will be held from the 28th to the 30th of April, 2026, providing participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience that can be applied directly to their businesses to increase sales and expand distribution channels.

The third activity, SMART Local Communicate, focuses on building awareness and promoting community products nationwide. This activity will showcase community products through curated market routes under the concept of the “SUNS Day Trip.” These routes reflect the strength and potential of community entrepreneurs from all four regions of the country. The routes will be implemented in four provinces—Sukhothai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nan, and Satun—each highlighting local identity, cultural heritage, traditional wisdom, and ways of life. By integrating tourism, culture, and 
marketing, the initiative aims to create meaningful consumer experiences while driving balanced and sustainable growth in the community product market.

Mr. Poonpong(พูนพงษ) emphasized that the Smart Skill project represents the Department’s commitment to empowering community entrepreneurs and strengthening grassroots economies nationwide. 
Through continuous capacity building, market-driven strategies, and collaboration with local stakeholders, the Department aims to enhanceof community enterprises and contribute to sustainable elopment across Thailand. elopment across Thailand.