WENA Aims To Have 500 Young Bumiputera Women Entrepreneurs By Year-end (SME Bank)

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- The Association of Bumiputra Women Entrepreneur Network of Malaysia (WENA) aims to have 500 young Bumiputera women entrepreneurs by year-end, from the current 350.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=929680
Published: February 24, 2013

Its President, Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin said the members are currently from various sectors such as food and beverage, information communication technology, health and beauty, education, as well as retail and services.

"We want to attract new members through networking sessions, the social media, training and via engagement with government agencies," she told reporters at the "Creating Women Leaders" seminar here Friday.

She said the association is using its own funds derived from members fees to organise activities.

WENA's upcoming activities include the Wena Business TV series featuring tips and "how to" guides from successful entrepreneurs.

"In line with the goal of creating women leaders, the association is inviting established businesses to join WENA's 'Pay It Forward Programme'," said Nuraizah.

She said in this programme, women leaders can actively contribute as mentors, advisors, speakers or networking partners to newer entrepreneurs.

WENA, established in September 2003, is a non-profit association, dedicated towards championing women's rights in business and their professions.

Nuraizah said WENA will work with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd to encourage more participation from women technopreneurs in utilising the technology and marketing grants available through it.

She said the association is also embarking on a smart partnership with SME Bank to allow numerous funding options for its members.

"We have a great talent pool of entrepreneurs doing amazing things in various industries. But what we have yet to do is extensively highlight and promote these women leaders," Nuraizah said.

She said being a technology oriented association, WENA has also formed an alliance with Cradle Fund in promoting the creation of technopreneurs.

Nuraizah said it will be organising a follow-up workshop to help members identify technology oriented ideas that will be eligible for seed funding or marketing grants.

"For members in non-technology based businesses, WENA has also strengthened their partnership with SME Bank in identifying various funding options for their members," she added.

She said another key alliance is with Kumpulan Modal Perdana's Plug and Play, where WENA is looking into entrepreneurship development and an incubator programme.

-- BERNAMA