KUALA LUMPUR: Women entrepreneurs stand to gain from the numerous provisions and programmes proposed under the 2021 Budget aimed at reviving the economy following the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Association of Bumiputera Women in Business and Profession (Peniagawati) president Datuk Azlin Ahmad Shaharbi said apart from the RM50 million offered via Ar-Rahnu BizNita and RM95 million under Tekun Nasional, Majlis Amanah Rakyat and Agrobank, there were other initiatives that empowered women entrepreneurs.
Among them, she said, included the RM510 million under Tekun Nasional and Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd, RM800 million for capacity-building programmes by SME Bank and Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd as well as RM500 million set aside under the National Development Scheme for Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
"For Peniagawati, the budget is proof that the government recognises the contribution of women entrepreneurs in driving the economy of the country.
"The budget is also an extension and continuation of the assistance introduced under previous stimulus packages to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic."
She urged women entrepreneurs to take up the opportunity to build their resilience in business and boost productivity.
At the same time, she hopes the respective agencies would monitor the implementation and delivery of the initiatives drawn up in the budget.
Azlin stressed that the distribution of the budget allocation should be carried out in the spirit of helping entrepreneurs.
"There are a number of entrepreneurs who are still in the process of reviving their businesses and there are also those who are still suffering from the aftermath of the pandemic.
"Hence, it is imperative for agencies to ensure that these entrepreneurs receive assistance.
"This will ensure their business continuity so that they can contribute to the economy," she said.