Saturday, March 26, 2011

Business Development awareness programme hosted by SME Corp and SITF


Potential borrower receiving info from SME Corp staff

SITF hosted a special introduction to the business development programmes provided by SME Corp on Friday, March 25 from 2pm to 5pm at Dewan Soma at Wisma Tun Sambanthan. Over 70 Indian business people participated in this program which was jointly organized by SITF and Indian business associations.
The programme was officiated by Datuk Dr Subramaniam, the SITF Chairman and Human Resources Minister. In his speech he highlighted that the Taskforce recognizes that inability to access business loans is a major complaint from Indian businesses. This programme is one of the many initiatives by SITF in creating greater access and inclusion in programmes organized by Federal government initiatives to assist the small business people.


Mr Muthusamy saying a word of welcome at the Awareness programme
 Mr. Muthusamy of the Malaysian Indian Restaurant owners Association acknowledged the effective link role the Taskforce is playing between the agencies and the community. Mr Meor Shahril, an officier of SME Corp provided a comprehensive overview of the two business development programmes available, namely Business Accelerator Programme (BAP) and Enrichment & Enhancement Programme (E2).
In the discussion that followed there were many questions raised on who is eligibility to apply and the conditions for access to loans. A number of points were highlighted. One pertains to the six months business experience requirement which many felt does not encourage the first time borrowers. Another pertains to undertaking a business on a location which has local authority approval and permit. Many indicated that they operated from the home. Current SME corp policy excludes these from applying.


Mr Meor Shahril, SME Corp officer
 There were also many positive comments received, relating to the wholistic nature of SME corps assistance. The four key features were better understood. These include diagnostic rating, capacity building, advisory & technical assistance and finally access to financing.

Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria who is the SITF secretary, acknowledged that more needs to be done in not only creating awareness but also to play a role in providing advice and guidance thereby ensuring the potential borrower is able to access credit. “We really need to ensure that small and micro business participate in these economic development programmes. One clear way these programmes can assist is through the capacity development programs”. SITF together with the Indian business associations will monitor participation.
Earlier in his speech Datuk Dr Subramaniam announced that the Taskforce is exploring the possibility of establishing a special unit which will focus of enabling and empowering the micro and small Indian business. This new development will clearly enhance Indian business participation.

2 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. With Gain Credit Personal Loans, you can get instant loan/money for a wide range of your personal needs like renovation of your home, marriage in the family, a family holiday, your child's education, buying a house, medical expenses or any other emergencies. With minimum documentation, you can now avail a personal loan at attractive 3% interest rates. This is trust and honest loans which you will not regret, Contact us via Email: gaincreditloan01@gmail.com

    Your Full Details:
    Full Name. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .
    Loan Amount Needed. . ...
    Loan Duration. . .. . .. . .. . .
    Phone Number. . .. . .. . ..
    Applied before. . .. . .. . ..
    Country. . .. . .
    Email Us: gaincreditloan01@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete