DUBS Miri helps micro-entrepreneurs grow to a higher level

MIRI, 8 Oct: The Sarawak Chamber of Commerce (DUBS) Miri Branch is focusing on helping micro entrepreneurs grow their businesses in stages, from small scale to capable of growing into larger enterprises.

Its chairman, Hafidz Rohani said support for entrepreneurs should not stop at the start-up stage, but instead be fueled by networking opportunities, training, markets and financing.

"Our role is not only to look at micro-business, but how we want to take this micro-business to be able to move into small business, then move to medium business and then become big", he said in a TVS talk show recording session here on Wednesday.

The effort, he said, is essential to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs at various levels to support each other, as well as opening up space for small businesses to gain opportunities from larger companies.

"To ensure that the support reaches entrepreneurs, DUBS Miri is also working with various agencies including the National Trust Council (MARA), Sarawak Centre of Performance Development (SCDC), TEKUN and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM)", he added.

The cooperation enables entrepreneurs to obtain information on assistance, training and financing, as well as assist DUBS through the preparation of support letters and collective applications.

He said that new entrepreneurs and young people are also being given attention because they often face challenges when starting a business, including registering and getting space to market products.

Participation in the organized programs and events also provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to acquire sales sites, introduce products and build networks with customers as well as industry players.

DUBS Miri also encourages its members to improve their digital skills, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), social media, e-commerce, content production and digital payments.

"Entrepreneurs don't think we've had enough of what we have. We need to keep learning, seeking knowledge and seeing opportunities", he said.

As the network expands, DUBS Miri aims to increase membership to 1,000 people by 2027 from over 700 members currently.

According to him, the goal is not just to increase membership but to expand the network so that more entrepreneurs can share opportunities, gain support and build business together.

The larger network also said it could strengthen the spirit of solidarity among entrepreneurs and create a stronger business community in Miri. - TVS