BEEP Plus helps to enhance IT service

21 March 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

PENAMPANG: Terra Tech Borneo (TTB), sited at Padimas Complex in Penampang, is a System Solution Provider (SSP) aimed at introducing IT software, particularly among the local population in Sabah.

Their primary goal is to educate and convey the message that IT represents the current and future direction for progress.

The business owned by Catherine Vitalis, 48, who hails from Kg Minintod, Penampang, was established in 2019 with the goal of providing support and assistance to local entrepreneurs.

Catherine and her partner recognised the potential for growth and development among local businesses and saw an opportunity to contribute to their success.

Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the business, thanks to her 25 years of experience working in the accounting field. Her background in auditing has given her a deep understanding of financial management and a keen eye for identifying opportunities for improvement.

Recognising the importance of technology in today's business landscape, Catherine partnered with a friend who has an IT background. This strategic partnership allows the business to leverage the power of technology to enhance its services and provide innovative solutions to clients.

In 2019, digital utilisation for business was not as widely recognised as it is today, she shared adding that she and her partner had a strong belief that digital technologies would gain traction over time. Despite not having a physical office at the time, they were determined to leverage the power of digital tools and operate their business from their house.

“To kickstart our business my partner and I took the initiative to acquire a loan of RM5,000 from TEKUN. This financial support provided us with the necessary capital to lay the foundation for the business,” she shared.

After successfully repaying their initial loan, Catherine and her partner saw an opportunity for further growth and expansion. They decided to approach TEKUN once again and secured a loan amounting to RM40,000. This additional financial support allowed them to take a significant step forward in their business journey.

With the funds obtained from TEKUN, Catherine and her partner were able to secure an office space for their business. They identified a suitable location at Padimas Point on the Penampang Bypass, which served as the perfect base for their operations. This physical office not only provided them with a professional setting to meet clients but also helped establish a strong presence within the local business community.

Seeing the potential for further growth and improvement, Catherine and her partner decided to apply for the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus financing. BEEP Plus is a specialised programme designed for entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak, with the objective of creating and nurturing competitive, resilient, and dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through integrated assistance.

Catherine enthusiastically shared the news that their application for BEEP Plus financing was successful. The financial support provided them with numerous benefits to enhance their business. Specifically, they were granted a subsidy covering 70 percent of their rent for an entire year. Additionally, they were able to utilise the funds to acquire six high-end computers, further enhancing their services and capabilities.

She and her partner were able to secure RM47,000 from BEEP Plus, a significant amount that allowed them to make substantial improvements to their business. The financial assistance not only covered a significant portion of their rent but also enabled them to invest in state-of-the-art computers, enhancing their service delivery and overall efficiency.

To date her company has serviced more than 600 clients that are regular customers, comprising the private and public sector.

In future she wishes to expand her software and indeed they had developed a product called Fur Find. It is a cat tag and has now made it to the market in Australia.

Catherine is continuously striving to meet the ever-growing digital demands of society. In recognition of the efforts and the needs of entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak, she expresses her gratitude to Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Minister of Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperative, for initiating the BEEP Plus programme.

The introduction of BEEP Plus is a significant step towards fostering a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sabah and Sarawak. By equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and opportunities, the programme paves the way for a prosperous future.

Catherine is optimistic about the positive impact BEEP Plus will have on the growth and development of the local business landscape.

The support provided by BEEP Plus and the vision of the Minister in promoting entrepreneurial development is lauded and Catherine eagerly anticipate the continued success and expansion of the programme, as it holds the potential to cultivate a new generation of dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs.