Community support: Ramanan (centre) receiving a replica cheque from Nor Azam (second from left), at the SOORIAN launch at Menara Pernas. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Franchising opportunities among the Indian community will see a boost with the launch of a new RM54.5mil franchising initiative named SOORIAN by Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas).
Launched by Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, SOORIAN’s initial phase will provide both financing and training assistance for over 1,000 Indian participants nationwide.
These participants will include 20 prospective franchisors, 100 prospective franchisees, 400 small entrepreneurs and 500 job placement participants.
Financing assistance will include loans of between RM3,000 and RM20,000 for small entrepreneurs, as well as loans of between RM3,000 and RM350,000 for those in franchise licensing.
According to Ramanan, the loans themselves can be paid back over 10 years at a flat 4% interest so as not to burden participants.
He added franchise entrepreneurs under the programme will also receive basic franchise training and halal awareness training arranged by Pernas.
Meanwhile, the 500 job placement participants will be given the opportunity to find new jobs through interview sessions with various renowned franchise companies.
“These participants are guaranteed a job as we will pair them with a company best suited to their skills, with beginning salaries expected to be up to RM2,800.
“Through this, we ensure that everyone either has income or the funding they need to expand their business or get into franchising whether they be small, medium or large,” Ramanan said in his speech at SOORIAN’s launch here yesterday.
He added that those interested can begin applying via Pernas’s website or at Pernas offices starting now, with the programme to begin next January.
Pernas chief executive officer Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib said the SOORIAN programme is designed to help the Indian community develop their entrepreneurial potential in the franchise sector through mentorship, training and financing.
“With this, Pernas aims to nurture more competitive Indian entrepreneurs with the potential to become future franchisors – contributing to economic unity and the well-being of the Madani society.
“This will both open up more business opportunities and build economic resilience for the Indian community, enabling them to become self-reliant and generate a sustainable income,” Nor Azam said.
