Kota Kinabalu, 10 October 2024 – Jesselton University College (JUC), in strategic collaboration with its industry partner Hanakoya, has officially launched the Floristry Start-up Assistance Programme, a flagship community-based initiative designed to empower aspiring florists from underserved and low income communities.
This initiative is part of JUC’s long term Community Learning Access Program (CLAP) and combines vocational training with direct financial assistance. Participants of the Creative Floristry Course receive a 30 percent subsidy on floral supplies, tools, and materials. The subsidy is fully funded by JUC and Hanakoya and is intended to reduce financial barriers for launching a small or home based floristry business upon completing the course.
Since the launch, the programme has delivered immediate and measurable impact. More than 80 participants, particularly women, youth, and individuals from the B40 income group, have benefited from both the course and the subsidy. Several have already started selling floral arrangements at weekend markets and through online platforms, generating their first streams of income. This marks an important first step for many into the formal economy and contributes directly to household income and financial independence.
Beyond financial outcomes, the programme has fostered personal confidence and social mobility. Women who previously faced employment barriers have now gained marketable skills and institutional support to build sustainable livelihoods. The programme also strengthens local community resilience by promoting microenterprise, applied skills, and self employment, making it a practical model for local start up assistance.
The Floristry Start-up Assistance Programme supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It addresses SDG 1 No Poverty by helping families move out of economic hardship through income generating opportunities. It supports SDG 4 Quality Education by linking vocational training to tangible business outcomes. It promotes SDG 5 Gender Equality by enabling women to pursue entrepreneurship, and contributes to SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth by supporting small business development. The collaboration between JUC and Hanakoya also exemplifies SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how higher education institutions and private sector partners can jointly create lasting community impact.
By providing both skills training and start up resources, the programme empowers individuals and builds inclusive economic opportunities for the future. This is a long term institutional initiative under JUC’s Community Learning Access Program, demonstrating the university’s sustained commitment to addressing poverty through education and enterprise. It positions JUC as a catalyst for community development and a leader in inclusive, socially responsible higher education.
