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Image credit: CARING MOMS

The rising number of Covid-19 cases has sounded the alarm again for entrepreneurs, forcing them to move online for the upcoming Deepavali festival.

Such is the situation now with the pandemic that has led people to shop for festive goods, including baked treats for the Festival of Lights, through community entrepreneurial platform, Caring Moms.

“With the current unpredictable situation, digitalising businesses is no longer a trend.

“Going digital is now a necessity for any entrepreneur.

“Caring Moms is keeping up with this new normal through the first Deepavali Virtual Expo 2020, ” Caring Moms said in a statement.

The expo will take place from Oct 28 to Nov 11 on the social enterprise’s Facebook page and sellers will put their products and services on sale via live sessions, where customers can engage with the sellers to know more about the products.

An online catalogue for the Deepavali Virtual Expo will be made available soon.

“Caring Moms strongly believes in empowering local businesses championed by women, so they can sustain their family’s finances.

“Our sellers are ready to ensure their customers’ needs are met for Deepavali.

“Be it catering orders, Deepavali delicacies or clothing, people can source for these items at our Deepavali Virtual Expo 2020, ” said the statement.

People can go online to the virtual expo during the two weeks.

To aid women entrepreneurs during this challenging time, registration is open to women residing in Malaysia.

Caring Moms chief executive officer Major (Rtd) Shera Ann Bosco said it was important for them to embark on this virtual journey regardless of how disruptive it felt.

Entrepreneur S. Sivagami, who sells silk thread and pearl bead jewellery, said doing business during a pandemic was difficult.

“I am glad there is such a thing as the virtual expo.

“It is helpful for my small business, ” she said.

“The new norm is unsettling because it lacks the physical human touch, ” said Jessica L, who sells essential oils.

“But having a virtual expo is fantastic because we get to connect with more buyers all around Malaysia and network with other sellers too, ” she added.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2020/10/14/new-normal-sees-creation-of-first-virtual-deepavali-expo