New platform for young entrepreneurs to develop businesses

SINGAPORE: Aspiring young entrepreneurs now have a new platform to test and develop their businesses.

SCAPE Underground, a retail space for showcasing Singapore’s designs, brands and talents, was officially opened on Saturday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, S Iswaran.

Mr Iswaran, who is also the Second Minister for Trade and Industry, noted that many young entrepreneurs started their retail businesses at SCAPE Bazaar, which operates on weekends.

Now, they can look forward to developing further at SCAPE Underground.

It provides programmes for training and development for budding entrepreneurs.

Several education institutions have been roped in to provide the training.

SCAPE Underground’s full—time retail concept allows the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in the heart of Orchard Road before moving to a retail unit.

Mr Iswaran said Singapore needs to develop small and medium enterprises that are driven by local entrepreneurs.

"We are emphasising the fact that we want different pathways for people to succeed to realise their dreams and aspirations," he said. "So some would be happy pursuing a path through some kind of professional career or technical career, but others may want to try their hands at business."

— CNA/xq