BCC extends the deadline for applications for SME hub kiosks

The application deadline for Business Center Corporation’s (BCC) SME hub kiosks has been extended. While the previous application deadline was October 20th, 2022, it has now been extended by 5 days to October 25th, 2022, allowing more SME owners to apply for this opportunity.

The Ministry of Economic Development established this state-owned enterprise in accordance with a presidential decree issued in 2017 in order to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in developing and growing through various support mechanisms and the provision of a full range of business services. 

BCC provides one such support mechanism in the form of space for small/start-up businesses to showcase and sell their products in BCC outlets. As a result, this kiosk application has been launched to allow small businesses to showcase and promote their products.

The 16 kiosks are located at the STO Allied building in Chaandanee Magu and have a lease rate of MVR 8,000 to 12,500 depending on the size of the kiosk. This, however, is not the first initiative carried out by BCC in order to support small and start-up businesses in the Maldives.

Since the start of this initiative, BCC has reached several milestones up until 2022 such as the launching of the brand ‘Authentic Maldives’ at Velana International Airport (VIA) in 2020, giving a platform to several local artists a chance to display their arts and crafts and make a profit through the outlet.

By 2022, Authentic Maldives has grown beyond their initial outlet in VIA to having outlets in Hulhumale’, Male’ as well as their brand new outlet at CrossRoads Maldives, widening the horizon for many SME owners as well as future entrepreneurs. 

Besides this, in July 2021, 'Seed' by BCC was launched in an effort to provide accessible office space for entrepreneurs and start-ups. This outlet in Male' city opened fully functional with office amenities, providing many small business owners and freelancers with a space to work from rather than having to sit at home for work. Many people used this space as their go-to because the office-like setting provided the amenities they needed to complete their daily tasks.

In addition, BCC actively participates in the commemoration of home-based worker’s day, which is held to honour those who work hard to make their dreams of being a small business owners a reality. For this year's Home-based Workers Day, BCC organized a three-day event in Hulhumale' Central Park from October 21-23, giving participants the opportunity to display and earn money by selling their work to the audience.