| Daniel Lim |
OVER 300 entrepreneurs recently attended the I-Usahawan briefing at the Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) in Panaga, Seria.
The I-Usahawan programme – an entrepreneurship development initiative by the Energy and Industry Department (EID) in collaboration with Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) companies – looks to support fledgling Bruneians who plan to or currently operate small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aiding them in starting, owning, and growing their business while securing their first contract with BSJV companies.
The programme is one of the many initiatives rolled-out to realise His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s vision to boost economic growth, specifically in encouraging SMEs to penetrate the regional and international markets.
In a speech, BSP In-Country Value Manager Hajah Rosita binti Hassan noted that the I-Usahawan programme gives young entrepreneurs another platform to further grow their business, which in turn will help boost the economic growth of the country.
“One of BSP’s Fit for Future Strategies is on the people and country. The main objective is to provide employment for Brunei’s workforce; nurture, develop and support Bruneian talent; develop local businesses and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). To achieve this, BSP has adopted In-Country Value (ICV), which encompasses more than just local business development, and includes opportunities for locally made goods and services, social investment and capability development,” she said.
The briefing included presentations by BSP representatives on topics that included Vendor Online Registration (VORs), Energy Business Academy Training Programme and BSP’s Credit Facility Programme.
I-Usahawan also targets aspiring and existing Bumiputra (Brunei indigenous) business owners between the ages of 21 and 40, who have yet to earn a contract with the government-linked companies or BSJV companies – which includes Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd (Brunei LNG) and Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd (BSM).
Programme participants will receive training to start, run, and grow a business through a startup accelerator; as well as be invited to a competitive tender exercise for selected contracts. Those who are successful will be awarded a three-year contract (with potential extensions), access to financing through BSJV’s credit facility programme and guided by experienced mentors during the duration of the contract.
The business areas targetted by the programme include grass-cutting services; landscape maintenance and horticulture; tea, coffee and general services; canteen or café; domestic waste management; recycling waste management; bicycle supply and maintenance; videography and photography services; and event management.
BSJV companies will issue the invitation to Expression of Interest (EoI) of the above contracts on May 28.
Prior to issuing the tender package, participants will undergo the EoI process and selection of which they will also be given training under the Energy Business Academy (EBA).
BSJV companies plan to award these tenders between late 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. Upon awarding these contracts, successful companies will be eligible for the Credit Funding Programme from either Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) or Baiduri Bank.
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