AS FINANCING is one of the most talked about topics for small and medium-sized enterprises, the Secretariat For The Advancement of Malaysian Entrepreneurs (SAME) set up a financial roadshow to cover the subject comprehensively.

Held at Impiana Hotel last Sunday, the roadshow showcased booths by various government-linked banks, ready to guide entrepreneurs through the steps required in setting up a business.

The event also saw government development finance institutions and agencies such as SME Bank and SME Corp setting up kiosks for SMEs to understand financing facilities available and any other issues related to business.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong, who was present to launch the roadshow, said the roadshow is a one-stop centre for young and budding entrepreneurs to acquire information on starting a business and how to expand it.

Lee (third from right) and Foo (second from right) at the opening ceremony of the SAME Financial Roadshow at Impiana Hotel . With them are other organising committee members. — AMANDA YEAP/The Star 

“There are counsellors and experts here that will be able to tell you everything, including how to get financed, how to get tax incentives and how to tap into the international market.

“SMEs can consider getting help from government-linked banks in loan applications too, as the interest charged is much lower compared with commercial banks,” he said in his speech.

Other than banks, SAME chief executive officer Neil Foo also recommended entrepreneurs to consider going for alternative financing.

“Alternative financing has been a trend that has been going on for years in other countries and we are introducing them to entrepreneurs here because normally, it is hard for start-ups to acquire loans from banks.

“There are other sources of funding available, such as peer-to-peer lending, crowd-funding, and equity crowd-funding, among others.

“We are here to educate them on what alternative financing is all about, what it involves and how it can help them start and grow their business,” he said.

Foo said this is the second year they were holding the SAME Financial Roadshow and they aimed to provide SMEs with accurate information on the financing schemes that development finance institutions have to offer.

The roadshow started in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 14 and Ipoh was among the 10 scheduled stops.

The roadshow is organised together with the Federation of Malaysia Chinese Guilds Association (FEMCGA), Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (KLSCCCI), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), Branding Association of Malaysia and other associations.

For details, call 03-9200 5105.

-The Star-