DARE (Darussalam Enterprise) is a Statutory Body with the aim to nurture and support the development of local enterprises at various stages.
DARE works closely with government and non-government agencies locally and abroad to foster the growth of local enterprises and increase their contribution to GDP, employment and export. Through DARE, a common and unified approach is taken to direct, support and encourage the growth of local enterprises under a single body represented and driven by the private sector.
What are DARE’s functions and services?
1. Promoting Growth of Brunei Enterprises: Providing an environment that nurtures and grows enterprises
2. Focused Development of Specific Sectors: Driving economic growth aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035
3. Access to Funding for Enterprises: Facilitate and grant access to funding and investments
4. Facilitate Market Access: Facilitation of regional and global market access for local SMEs services and products
5. Capacity Development & Advisory Services: Providing business advice and tailored training programs
6. Industrial Space and Facilities: Providing high quality industrial space and facilities
7. Operate the Business Support Centre: Providing a centre for business-related applications and services
The Business Support Centre (BSC) is an Action Centre established by DARE providing a single venue for businesses to: - Access and submit business-related applications (such as permits, licenses and registrations) - Obtain business advice and information on business-related processes - Learn about and apply for SME programmes and assistance schemes - Log-in business related issues, feedback and inquiries
How many BSC branches are there?
Currently, there are two BSC branches: BSC in Brunei Muara District and BSC in Belait District.
Currently, there are two BSC branches: BSC in Brunei Muara District and BSC in Belait District.
BSC Brunei Muara District 1st Floor, Design & Technology Building, Simpang 32-37, Kg Anggerek Desa, Bandar Seri Begawan, BB3713 Negara Brunei Darussalam
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday: 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 4.30pm Friday: 8am to 11.30am and 2.15pm to 4.30pm
BSC Belait District Ground Floor, Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board Building (Ex Business Facilitation Centre) Kuala Belait KA 1131 Negara Brunei Darussalam
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 4.30pm
However, until further notice, DARE’s physical business helpdesk at BSC Belait District is only open every Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 12pm and 2pm to 3.30pm.
Which agencies are located at the BSC Brunei Muara District?
Currently, there are 16 agencies providing 27 types of services. 1. DARE Business Helpdesk 2. Ministry of Home Affairs (District Office and Municipal Board) 3. Onebiz, EIDPMO 4. Registry of Companies and Business Names, MOF 5. Royal Customs and Excise, MOF 6. Land Department, MOD 7. Town and Country Planning, MOD 8. Credit Bureau, AMBD 9. ABCi, MOD 10. Dept of Water Services, MOD 11. Dept of Electrical Services 12. Certificate of Origin, MoFAT 13. Brunei Intellectual Property Office 14. Labour Dept 15. Cottage Industry and Cooperatives Division, EIDPMO 16. Expo, Trade and Fair, International Affairs Division, EIDPMO
Which agencies are located at BSC Belait District?
Currently, there are 4 agencies located at BSC Belait District:
1. DARE Business Helpdesk 2. Ministry of Home Affairs (District Office and Municipal Board) 3. Department of Electrical Services, Energy and Industry Department, Prime Minister’s Office 4. Cottage Industry and Cooperatives Division, Energy and Industry Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Are there any plans to open BSC branches in Tutong and Temburong?
In Shaa Allah, there are plans to open up BSC branches in Tutong and Temburong.
For BSC in Tutong, we are currently in the process of identifying suitable location while for Temburong, we have identified Bato Apoi Industrial Complex as the potential location for BSC in Temburong District. Commencement of its operation will be announced accordingly.
Industry Business Academy (IBA) is a well-structured learning and development programme developed by DARE to enhance the fundamentals of enterprises in starting, running and growing their business.
It was created after analyzing present day issues related to capabilities and knowledge of the local entrepreneurial environment.
How long is the IBA program?
Each IBA Cycle runs for 6 months
Is it compulsory to attend the IBA program?
The IBA is a flexible program. Attendance is dependent on the participants and not compulsory.
What are the costs involved for attending the IBA program?
The IBA program is currently offered free of charge.
Who can register for IBA?
The IBA programme is open to any aspiring and existing entrepreneurs of all levels
Can the company invite people to join the IBA program who are not affiliated with the company?
Yes, the IBA program is open to any aspiring and existing entrepreneurs of all levels.
Will There Be Certificates Issued At The End Of IBA?
Currently, there are no certificates issued for the participants of IBA. The courses are conducted by industrial experts from different areas and organizations.
How Do Companies Register To Join The Program?
Please email dare@ei.gov.bn. Each interested participant would be sent a registration form to be filled and emailed back to DARE.
Are the courses conducted in English or Malay?
The materials will be presented generally in English.
How long is per module?
Each module is normally conducted within a day, depending on the subject matter.
Must the owner attend ALL the IBA modules?
The IBA program is a flexible program that aims to provide a platform where enterprises can increase their skills and knowledge in starting, running and expanding a business. Business owners are recommended to attend modules on subject matters which they are not familiar with or have little experience in.
Where can I get more information on IBA?
More information on IBA can be accessed at: http://www.dare.gov.bn/SitePages/Industry%20Business%20Academy.aspx
Microcredit Financing Scheme
What is Microcredit Financing Scheme?
The Microcredit Financing Scheme is a financing scheme with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) with a maximum facility amount of up to BND15,000.00 per applicant and a repayment period of up to 36 months.
What are the eligibility requirements?
• Founders/owners/applicants are citizens of Brunei Darussalam
• Businesses registered under the Business Act and operating in Brunei Darussalam
• 100% local shareholding
• Business is classified under category of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) with less than 100 employees
• No adverse track record with any financial institutions/suppliers/creditors. However, still subjected to review on a case to case basis
• Ability to provide up to date management accounts/financial statements on a quarterly basis or upon request
Where to submit applications?
Submission of applications will be directly via Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam
Where can I get more information on Microcredit Financing Scheme?
More information on Microcredit Financing Scheme can be accessed at: http://www.dare.gov.bn/SitePages/Microcredit%20Financing%20Scheme.aspx
Industrial Sites or Complexes
What are the eligibility requirements?
• For Industrial Land applications, companies must be registered as Private Limited (SDN BHD) with Bumiputera equity participation of at least 30%.
• For Industrial Complex applications, owner of the companies must be of Brunei citizen holding a yellow Identification Card.
Where to submit applications?
• All applications for industrial site or complex must be submitted to DARE.
• Each application must be submitted with a cover letter and a complete business proposal to the following address:
Business Support Centre DARE (Darussalam Enterprise) D&T Building, Simpang 32-37 Anggerek Desa Technology Park Jalan Berakas BB3713 Bandar Seri Begawan Negara Brunei Darussalam (Application for Industrial Site/Complex)
Or emailed to dare@ei.gov.bn.
• DARE will only process complete applications as required based on the procedures and guidelines for submission of business proposal and application.
• Submitted applications shall be subject to the availability and suitability of the site/complex.
Where can I get more information on Industrial Sites and Complexes?
More information on Industrial Sites and Complexes can be accessed at: http://www.dare.gov.bn/SitePages/Home.aspx#5
Startup Boot camp Programme?
What is Startup Boot camp Programme?
It is a program which is aimed to incubate startups as well as accelerate growth of new and existing businesses that wish to reinvent themselves. For a 100-day over 15 weeks, participants will go through an intensive ideation as well as execution whereby investors, established entrepreneurs, and mentors will work with the startups and businesses to grow in both Brunei and ideally overseas.
The programme will focus on the following areas: • Entrepreneurship, • innovation, • ideation, • generating sales, • fund raising, • branding, • marketing and pitching.
Who are the targeted participants?
• Both new entrepreneurs and experienced entrepreneurs • Promising graduates that are unemployed
Where can I get more information on Startup Bootcamp Programme?
More information on Startup Bootcamp Programme can be accessed at: http://www.dare.gov.bn/SitePages/Startup%20Bootcamp.aspx
ANNOUNCEMENT 23rd January 2017 Announcement for Power Outrage Date: 23rd January 2017 / 25 Rabiulakhir 1438H (Monday) Time: 2:00pm until 4:30pm Areas Affected: Beribi, AVESTA Printing Beribi and the surrounding areas. Reason: Maintenance work on high voltage transformer . The Department apologize for any inconvience caused.
ANNOUNCEMENT 23rd January 2017 Announcement for Power Outrage Date: 24th January 2017 / 26 Rabiulakhir 1438H (Tuesday) Time: 2:00pm to 4:30pm Areas Affected: Batu Satu, Plaza Athirah Batu Satu and the surrounding areas. Reason: Maintenance work on high voltage transformer. The Department apologize for any inconvience caused.