Azlan Othman
BWN Design co-founder Neena binti Haji Manan received a memorable birthday present as she walked away with USD3,000 in seed funding yesterday as one of the top three winners of Brunei’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) funded by the United States Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and facilitated by Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).
A prize presentation was held as part of the four-day Brunei MSME Festival 2023 at Bridex Hall, Jerudong.
A Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan graduate, Neena said it was very challenging as it was her first time in the competition.
“But, it is very helpful for start-ups like us. I started this business with zero capital.
“With the business grant, we can be actively involved to enhance our production,” Neena said”.
“It encourages us to step-up our efforts. We should learn the business environment before starting a business like the niche and target. I started my business four years ago,” she said.
On exploring the foreign market, Neena said they have penetrated Singapore in the past.
“But for now, we concentrate on the Borneo market,” Neena said.
Meanwhile, another winner of the USD3,000 seed funding, Nurul Syarinah binti Abdullah from Miroirs Et Group said she did not expect to win the award as she was inundated with university assignments.
“I actually started in 2021 and plan to gain more inventories to cater for more customers. I plan to offer more tiered packages to customers. The programme taught us about business plans”.
Currently pursuing her Masters programme in Business at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Nurul Syarinah said the course helps a lot. Her advice to local entrepreneurs is to pursue their business dream. “It will never be perfect but if you are passionate, go for it,” she said.
