Since Starting Up category is for new businesses that have been registered OR operated for less than 12 months, we want to ensure applicants are well equipped with the essential basic knowledge of running a business by attending DARe’s Micro or Accelerate Bootcamps. Attending these programmes makes the participant eligible, however it does not guarantee the applicant to be awarded the grant.

Unfortunately, it is one of the main requirements for the applicant to “co-match” the project cost with BEDB. BEDB can’t proceed without at least 30% contribution from the applicant.

No, you do not need to repay 70% of the costs funded by BEDB. However, you are required to achieve all the agreed milestones. Failure to achieve milestones without valid reasons may result in your disbursement claims being withheld or potential claw back of the grant.

Your contribution ensures your commitment to the proposed Starting Up or Expansion project. Your willingness to contribute to the cost is taken as a sign of good faith and indicates your confidence in the future of your business. In general, if a business owner is willing to put their own money on the line, potential investors will see this as a vote of confidence that the business owner is fully committed to generating returns on their investment.

BEDB will invoice you for your contribution and upon receiving payment, BEDB will pay the total amount to the supplier directly. Alternatively, you may pay the suppliers first, then request for reimbursement from BEDB.

This is another reason why participation in DARe’s Micro or Accelerate Bootcamps is required. Through these programmes you will learn about alternative financing options, as well as be exposed to other like-minded entrepreneurs, which can spark collaborations and partnerships. We have seen cases where programme participants with similar business ideas both facing lack of funding, decide to partner up and pool their resources to come up with their startup costs.

While locally-sourced raw materials and/or production are encouraged, we understand this is not always commercially viable. Hence, these activities may be considered under the Scheme, depending on the strength of the business case outlined in your proposal.

No, any eligible costs proposed under the Scheme shall not be incurred before the Grant award.

You are required to submit relevant documents such as the original hardcopy of invoices, for reimbursement ONLY, official receipts and your business bank statement (HEADER ONLY).

No. BEDB would only be able to reimburse to the bank account of the business as per application.

We understand that businesses want to choose suppliers with competitive prices, however we advise keeping the number of suppliers to be not more than 5.

It is to ensure recipients of the grant are committed to following through and completing the proposed project and achieving all the agreed milestones.

As part of the application, you’re required to provide milestones that you expect to achieve throughout the project period including its delivery timeframe (maximum of 12 months starting from the award date). The milestones will need to be reviewed and agreed by both BEDB and the recipient. The milestones determined whether the funds being applied are in line with the objective of the Scheme.

The Scheme is open all year round and you may submit your application once completed.

You will be expected to submit quarterly business progress reports to BEDB on the performance of your project and business. BEDB will closely monitor your performance and recommend any other relevant BEDB service or initiative that may further assist you in growing the business.

Failure to submit requested reports and achieve milestones defined, without valid reasons, may result in your disbursement claims being withheld or potential claw back of the grant.

To apply, fill in the

and submit together with business proposal and relevant documents to financing@bedb.gov.bn, or fill in Online Application Form

Applications will be processed upon receiving complete documentation, with the approval process to be done within 2 months.