Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has been offering its Business Upgrading Financing Scheme (SPiM) to food truck entrepreneurs who operate businesses using vehicles, shipping containers, cabins or caravans, since May 11.

Its business financing deputy director (I) Nor Zaini Abu Kassim said among the facilities provided under the scheme, were the purchase of fixed assets such as machines or equipment, business premises renovation works and capital injection.

"The financing limit for this scheme is RM250,000 for sole proprietorship or partnership company, while RM500,000 is for a private limited company," she told Bernama in Kuala Lumpur today.

She said applicants must comply with the requirements which included experience, knowledge on business or relevant industry, and involvement in a business for less than six months.

They were also required to undergo a Mara entrepreneurship course, or from other recognised agencies.

Nor Zaini said Mara also offered business consultation scheme to food truck entrepreneurs who might encounter problems, or to boost productivity and performance.

"The assistance covers promotion, information and communications technology (ICT), concept development, marketing and business coaching.

"These consultation services will help the entrepreneurs to instill confidence in them, as well as (to prepare them on) how to deal with challenges in business," she said.

As for business coaching, Nor Zaini said it served to improve the abilities and potential of an entrepreneur whether new or experienced.

"It covers business management and administration, understanding the market; workflow of a task and how to make it more efficient and effective, business development, motivation and other topics," she added.

- Bernama