Young Entrepreneurship? Funding?

Yesterday I attended an informal gathering related to young entrepreneurship at Pavilion's Glitter Cafe, i think maybe it is specifically for technopreneurs only.

In fact, I don't really enjoy the gathering because I only heard of a lot of negative feedbacks, comments and complaints.. I heard they mentioned about funds for entrepreneurs. They talked about Grants and Loans that available in the market. I think I have to admit, working 4 years in MIRC, I am good enough to brief people and even giving talk about SME and technopreneur funds. I found that most of the grant and loan applicants are not familiar with the fund application process and when they are rejected, they will spread the negative news out..

In Malaysia, many funds are available to assist businesses to be started, to grow and expand. However, many people have a different view on all these funds. Sometime I have to admit, applicants are too sensitive. I will need to address this point because I met a lot of them.. I think some time I will need to agree with what Keng Yew said. Keng Yew is a technopreneur, he said that as an entrepreneur, you cannot always sit there to complaint, should find a way to solve the problem. I think that's right.. Entrepreneur is person who would like to take risks.

When those participants said they don't understand why entrepreneurs cannot start their new ventures with their own money, but wait for the government grants approval. My comment is they are not entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs will know there will be risks whenever they want to be entrepreneurs.

Sometimes, people want to start business because they know grants and soft loans are available. This is a wrong perception. Government wants to hep those people really intended to start a business, therefore government provide grants and soft loans to businesses to assist them. Please bear in mind, only 50% of your business will be funded by government grant if your application is approved.

Sometimes, people looking for loan to cover another loan he borrowed. That is very funny! No grants or soft loans are allocated for you to clear your debts. Sometimes, the borrowers were blacklisted by Bank Negara, they will still insist to try for grants and loans application. If you really encounter the above mentioned problems, please look for AKPK to assist you. No other financial institutions or banks can lend their hands out because you are not a qualified applicants. Don't blame the banks, they just do their jobs. Will you be doing a business with people who cannot give you any return? Definitely not.. therefore don't blame, sit down and think of other ways to solve your financial problems.

I believe Young Entrepreneurs should think positively and must be able to motivate people surrounding you. Never ever spread the words out saying that government is not helping SMEs or technopreneurs.. Must bear in mind, your application being rejected does not reflect that your friends will be rejected too. From my perspective, I would say NO HARM TRYING!

Young entrepreneurs, Gambateh!!