KULIM, Oct 16 (Bernama) — Women in Kedah have been encouraged to participate in the Women Biz Entrepreneurship programme, organised by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA).
KEDA general manager, Datuk Kamarudin Abd Akib, said that the initiative, which was launched in February, aims to provide opportunities to rural women who have the interest and determination to make entrepreneurship a source of income.
“The programme’s objective is to improve economic standards by providing an entrepreneurial platform for women, and pass on the latest knowledge and marketing techniques.
“This will also help strengthen the rural product industry, which has the potential to be introduced to a wider market through women’s participation,” he told reporters after opening the Lestary Beauty House & Spa – Women Biz Entrepreneurship KEDA here today.
According to Kamarudin, the programme includes group assistance in helping the target group run a business systematically, and then turn them into competitive women entrepreneurs.
“This is the first programme organised by KEDA which is conducted in groups and with special mentoring for women. Each women’s group will receive RM200,000 worth of assistance to start a business of their choice, or expand an existing business.
“This includes assistance in purchasing machinery and equipment, upgrading premises, courses and promotion. The participants will go through several interviews and practical tests before starting a business,” he said.
He added that, apart from the spa business in Kulim, other businesses under the KEDA programme are a popcorn business in Sungai Petani; keropok lekor in Langkawi and a cafe in Jitra.
Meanwhile, a beauty industry mentor, Siti Salmiah Zakaria, who has helped four women entrepreneurs at Syarikat Lestary Beauty House & Spa, said that the group business programme can help hone and empower talents, as well as produce successful women entrepreneurs.
“The group business can also help increase income. The monthly turnover of the spa business exceeds RM11,000, and the income has increased by up to 30 per cent compared with individual traders, she said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency