ENTREPRENEURS, especially those in micro businesses, are encouraged to utilise digital platform to promote and sell their products in view of the Covid-19 pandemic that has impacted business operations.
Penang Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneurship Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said the state government has already launched a few initiatives to encourage local entrepreneurs to move their businesses online.
“Among the initiatives provided through e-commerce platforms are ‘Penang E-Mall@Shopee’ and ‘Penang Food4U@Foodpanda’ for entrepreneurs to market their products.
“Through both platforms, they are entitled to free marketing, coaching and registration and thus, provided an effective way for them to reach their customers via a digital platform.
“So, whether they like it or not, they must learn to adapt their business model by embracing the digital economy to maximise their business profits as there are tremendous opportunities there.
“The state government will also continue to carry out special initiatives to assist entrepreneurs from small and medium industry (SMI) and small and medium enterprises (SME) that were hit by the pandemic,” Abdul Halim told reporters after officiating the empowerment programme for entrepreneurs at Seberang Perai Arena Convention Centre in Seberang Jaya yesterday.
According to Abdul Halim, the state government also provides various incentives, schemes and grants through state agencies to assist the local entrepreneurs.
“So, I would like to remind our local entrepreneurs to apply for it.
“The Penang government cares and is committed to assist all of you during these trying times,” he added.
During the programme, a total of 252 participants received new makeshift tents.
Abdul Halim said the tents handover was part of the state government efforts to assist those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The one-day entrepreneurship empowerment programme, which was organised by the Penang government, was aimed at helping entrepreneurs to build their business knowledge and informing them about various incentives, schemes and grants that the state government is providing.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal