KUCHING: Twelve companies were selected to receive business grants under the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) yesterday.
According to SME Corporation Malaysia chief executive Dato Dr Hafsah Hashim, SME Corp had received an allocation of RM30 million this year and RM4 million was given to the programme in Sarawak.
“Twelve companies with 30 projects are receiving a total of RM2.56 million worth of grants today.
“Looking at the projects that these BEEP entrepreneurs are doing, from machinery purchase to product packaging and promotion to premises renovation, we are proud they are realising their dreams to improve their businesses.
“As such, we hope the contribution will encourage them to increase their sales and profit,” she said at the presentation ceremony held at Bank Negara here yesterday.
Former assistant minister in the chief minister’s office (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais witnessed the ceremony.
Hafsah explained that BEEP would ensure the integrity and responsibility of the selected recipients.
“There is no free money. It is a matching grant whereby 50 per cent of total approved project cost or the maximum RM500,000 is given to the selected companies. They bear the other 50 per cent,” she said.
To learn more about BEEP grant, call SME Corp Sarawak at 082-252955.
Naroden also witnessed the launch of Sarawak SME Online Niaga, an online portal for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the function.
Hafsah said the portal was an initiative by the private sector under SME Online Business Sdn Bhd.
“This online business portal is a one-stop virtual business centre for entrepreneurs in Sarawak. It will help them introduce their products online, as well as expand their businesses,” she said.
Bank Negara Sarawak branch manager Ishak Musa and representative from The Association of Banks in Malaysia Mohd Azran Mat Agil were present.
