Beijing's specialized SME board hits 1,000-company milestone

Beijing's specialized board for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that use specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products has reached 1,000 registered companies, hitting this milestone ahead of schedule on Nov. 30, according to the board's operator, the Beijing Equity Trading Center, on Dec. 3.

The board, a tailored market segment within Beijing's regional equity market, serves high-quality SMEs focusing on niche technologies and innovative products. Nearly 90% of listed firms operate in cutting-edge fields, including next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and new energy.

These enterprises show strong commitment to innovation, with approximately 70% reporting R&D expenditures exceeding their industry averages, underscoring the "specialized" and "novel" attributes central to their designation.

The quality of board enterprises is evident in recent government recognitions. Among the 250 firms designated as "little giant" enterprises by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology recently, 41 were from the board (16.4%), while 30 board enterprises successfully renewed their "little giant" status.

The board also serves as a pipeline to broader capital markets. Since launching in August 2023, the board has facilitated member growth, with 10 enterprises "graduating" to list on the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ), also known as China's "new third board." Eight utilized a dedicated "green channel" for expedited listing.

The board offers substantial financial support, including a customized loan product launched in October that immediately benefited seven enterprises. Beijing's pioneering financing reward policy provides a one-time reward of up to 300,000 yuan ($42,000) for firms securing private equity financing, with nearly 20 million yuan in policy funds to be disbursed this year.

Looking ahead, the Beijing Equity Trading Center aims to make the board a national benchmark by 2026, focusing on synchronized growth in enterprise scale and quality while accelerating listings for high-potential firms.