RHB BANK, PERNAS EMPOWER 42 PRE-FRANCHISE MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH BEST-BYOB PROGRAMME

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- RHB Islamic Bank Bhd (RHB Islamic) and Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PERNAS) have empowered 42 pre-franchise micro-entrepreneurs from the asnaf and B40 income groups through the “B40 Empowerment Strategy - Be Your Own Boss” (BEST-BYOB) programme.

The programme offers two unique initiatives that equip younger and older micro-entrepreneurs with the assistance and knowledge to help them grow their business including structured training, business matching, financing and business monitoring for six months upon the start of the business.

In a joint statement, the companies said they may apply for grants of up to RM10,000 which is part of RHB Islamic’s zakat Wakalah initiative totalling RM500,000 as well as additional financing under the Business In Transformation (BIT) Pre-Franchise Financing Scheme.

The successful participant may choose either the Successful Women Entrepreneurship Engagement Talent (SWEET) or the Young Entrepreneurship Engagement Talent (YOUNITY).

RHB Islamic managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali said this initiative further expands the RHB Harmoni ecosystem, in particular the adoption of Value-based Intermediation (VBI) in generating positive and sustainable impact on the economy and in implementing Islamic social finance.

“It also reflects our support towards iTEKAD, an initiative under Bank Negara Malaysia, which is designated to mobilize social finance instruments such as zakat, wakaf and sadaqah.

“We look forward to extending even more support to eligible asnaf and B40 micro-entrepreneurs to help them build financial resilience and generate sustainable income,” he said.

Eligible participants will be matched with various pre-franchise brands under the BIT pre-franchise system such as Nab Peneram, Mekeria, Bubur Ayam Dahlia, Uncle Putu Piring and Golden Takoyaki.

BIT pre-franchise brand owners also stand to benefit from the RHB SME e-Solution Package service by RHB Islamic, providing them access to comprehensive internet banking and business account facilities.

Meanwhile, PERNAS acting chief executive officer Mazlan Ibrahim said the synergy and strategic partnership between PERNAS and RHB Islamic through the BEST-BYOB program will benefit both parties and create a positive impact economically and socially.

“From the economic aspect, for example, prospective entrepreneurs can generate daily income while creating more entrepreneurial opportunities for the B40 and asnaf communities, in particular the franchise and pre-franchise business, and at the same time contribute to economic growth,” he said.

-- BERNAMA