Tekun Kimanis Optimistic Of Encouraging Response From Entrepreneurs

**Admin** Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:18 am

BONGAWAN, March 21 (Bernama) -- The National Smalltime Bumiputra Entrepreneur Economic Initiative Fund (TEKUN), is optimistic small-time entreprenuers will sought financing for their businesses with the opening of the agency's office in the Kimanis parlimentary constituency.

More than 100 applications for business loans were received during the soft launch of the branch office, the 21st in Sabah, on Sunday.

The agency expected up to 300 applications from enterprising entreprenuers by April 1, said Datuk Noraidi Chedan, Political Secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Anifah Aman and Kimanis Member of Parliament.

He told Bernama, after the soft launch, that entrepreneurs must be disciplined and not default on their payments.

"Don't just open for (business) two or three days only and close for the rest of the days. And, don't close the doors on Tekun officers who come to collect repayment from you. This has happened in some instances," said Noraidi who has been entrusted to oversee Tekun's activities in Kimanis.

He advised entreprenuers to know their product, pricing, buyers and undertake market promotion as essential elements for success.

Entreprenuers can apply to borrow between RM500 and RM50,000 and can chose to repay their loans on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

"If the response is good, Tekun might request for funds of up to RM1.5 million to help Kimanis residents with their economic endeavour," he said,adding that those who have settled their first loan and had a good repayment track record would be eligible for subsequent loans.

"I must take my hat off to women entrepreneurs in this scheme because they have been very responsible in paying up," he said.