SINGAPORE - A new programme launched on Saturday will give business students at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) a chance to practice their marketing skills in the real world, while helping small heartland businesses improve their promotion.

The three-year collaboration between North East Community Development Council, ITE and SME Centre @ Association of Small and Medium Enterprises will involve at least 80 ITE College East students a year, and is part of the 'principles of marketing' module at the business school.

Sixteen shops, including bakeries and salons, are currently signed up for the Marketing Innovation Programme @ North East, and have been matched to 119 students in 22 teams. Each student team receives up to $1,000 to carry out their plans during June.

"ITE is part of our community, and the heartland shops are part of our community," said Mayor of North East District Teo Ser Luck at the launch at Rivervale Plaza. "It's a win-win arrangement: the students get a chance to shine, and the merchants get a chance to promote more of their products and services."