SHAH ALAM, July 13 — The Women Entrepreneurs Festival organised by the Batu Tiga state constituency is not merely aimed at recognising the achievements of women entrepreneurs, but also serves as a platform to connect them with various forms of support to empower and expand their businesses.
Its assemblyman, Danial Al-Rashid Haron, said many women entrepreneurs had been identified in the constituency, with some requiring support in the form of financing, training and guidance to grow their businesses.
He said his office would help connect the entrepreneurs with state government agencies and relevant entrepreneurship bodies.
“This programme does not stop at recognition alone. We will also connect them with state government agencies such as Yayasan Hijrah Selangor and several other entrepreneurship agencies.
“If they do not require financial assistance, perhaps support in the form of training can be provided because businesses today no longer rely solely on traditional methods, but increasingly require technology and social media,” he told Media Selangor.
He was speaking after attending the Batu Tiga Women and Family Entrepreneurship Festival here yesterday.
Many kinds of support
Elaborating further, Danial said the initiative was expected to help entrepreneurs enhance their skills, strengthen their competitiveness and adapt to technological developments.
Meanwhile, creative entrepreneur Tun 'Alia Nadirah Ahmad Suhaimi, 44, said programmes such as the festival were important because entrepreneurs needed not only sales opportunities, but also space to build networks, foster collaborations and share experiences.
The founder of By Ibu Ibu said even entrepreneurs with established businesses still required guidance and training to continue expanding their ventures.
“Once a brand becomes established, the question is what comes next. Guidance and mentoring are still needed when we want to grow our businesses.
“Beyond financial assistance, entrepreneurs need a support system for development, particularly in creative fields that still receive limited exposure,” she said.
She also expressed hope that more dedicated programmes would be introduced to help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses despite juggling various family commitments.
Another entrepreneur, Nor Fazidah Abd Samad, 40, said the programme provided an opportunity to expand networks and introduce her business to a wider customer base.
The image consultant and corporate trainer said entrepreneurs needed not only capital, but also access to entrepreneurship classes, networking sessions and opportunities to meet individuals who could help grow their businesses.
“I am very happy and proud because this is a great opportunity to expand my network, while allowing more people to see that my business is still operating.
“Besides capital, entrepreneurs also need classes, networking sessions and opportunities such as this programme,” she said.
