KUCHING: A total of 119 Sarawak entrepreneurs generated RM1.89 million in sales through a mentoring programme conducted by the National Entrepreneurship Institute Berhad (INSKEN) this year.
These entrepreneurs have participated in four INSKEN Bumiputera Business Coaching (IBBC) programmes, which focused on various industries such as cafes and restaurants, supermarket sales, spas and bakeries.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat said in addition to the increase in revenue, the INSKEN programme also succeeded in creating 93 new jobs.
He said 10 entrepreneurs have also successfully upgraded their business status from micro to small enterprises.
“We have seen the steady progress of these entrepreneurs from the start, and now, 10 of them have reached the small business scale.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and I’d like to commend INSKEN and all the entrepreneurs for their hard work,” he said.
He said this at the Sarawak Edition INSKEN 2024 Guidance Programme Graduation Ceremony held here last night (Oct 19).
Ripin also congratulated 25 participants from the INSKEN Start-up Coaching programme, which saw a 287 percent improvement in diagnostic scores within six months of joining.
“Out of 144 Sarawak entrepreneurs, 119 from the IBBC and 25 from the Start Up Coaching programme have completed their training,” he said.
He also encouraged entrepreneurs not to fear dealing with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) as they consider expanding their businesses.
