Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Whether you are a startup looking for seed capital, an established business seeking to digitalise, or an exporter wanting to expand into new markets, government and international funding agencies and financing schemes can provide the financial boost you need.
This comprehensive guide lists the top business and SME grants available in Malaysia for 2026, with detailed information on how to apply for each.
Bookmark this page, check the application links regularly, and start preparing your proposals today.
1. Buffett Grant (Buffett Foundation) – Recommended
The Buffett Grant is one of the most sought-after funding opportunities for start ups, business expansion and SMEs. Businesses in Malaysia seeking support for finance, grants, empowerment, and inclusion programs should consider this funding opportunity.
Funding Areas
- Business Start up
- Developmental Projects
- Business expansion
- SMEs
- Skill development initiatives
Who Can Apply?
- Business Owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Business Idea
- Registered nonprofit organizations
- Community-based foundations
- NPO/NPC
Funding Amount
$50,000 to $500,000+
Varies according to project scope.
How to Apply
Official website:
2. SINAR Programme (Program Sokongan Industri dan Perniagaan Rakyat) – SME Corp Malaysia
The SINAR Programme is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) through SME Corp Malaysia, with a total allocation of RM205 million to help micro, small, and medium enterprises weather current economic challenges arising from global supply chain disruptions.
The programme includes five new initiatives covering both financial and non-financial assistance, and opened for applications in June 2026.
Key Components:
| Initiative | Details |
| SME Easy Financing Scheme | Up to RM5 million financing at 5% interest, repayment period of 7 to 25 years through MIDF |
| SME Capacity Enhancement Scheme | Loans from RM50,000 to RM1.5 million at 5% interest through microLEAP PLT |
| Premium 2.0 Financing Scheme | Up to RM1 million at 3% interest, with up to 30% rebate for good repayment |
| Inclusive Business Scaling Programme | Up to 90% grant (matching) up to RM200,000 for MSMEs integrating inclusive communities into their supply chains |
Eligibility:
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS) in Malaysia
- Must obtain PMKS certification (50% discount on application fees from 1 June to 31 August 2026)
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.smecorp.gov.my (Visit the SME Corp Malaysia portal for application details)
3. SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) – Bank Negara Malaysia
Bank Negara Malaysia’s RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) is open for applications by micro, small, and medium enterprises from 15 May until 31 December 2026, or until the full allocation is utilised.
Key Details:
- Financing of up to RM750,000
- Maximum interest or profit rate of 3.7% per annum
- Channelled through 18 participating financial institutions, including Bank Rakyat and SME Bank
Eligibility:
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia
- Businesses affected by current economic uncertainties
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: Apply directly through any of the 18 participating financial institutions (Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, and others)
4. Market Development Grant (MDG) – MATRADE
The Market Development Grant (MDG) is introduced by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to help SMEs expand into global markets. Budget 2026 allocated RM60 million for this grant to assist MSMEs in exporting to existing and new markets, including Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia.
Key Details:
- Partial reimbursement for expenses incurred in participating in international trade fairs, trade missions, and market expansion activities
- Up to RM300,000 per company
- All applications have been migrated to the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform
Eligibility:
- Malaysian SMEs looking to export products and services
- Businesses participating in eligible trade fairs and missions
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.matrade.gov.my (Applications via the MADANI Digital Trade platform)
5. Global Technology Grant (GTG) – MDEC
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) offers the Global Technology Grant (GTG) to nurture global champions in the technology sector.
Key Details:
- Covers up to 50% of total project costs for locally owned companies (up to RM2 million)
- Covers up to 30% of total project costs for foreign-owned companies (up to RM2 million)
Eligibility:
- Technology companies operating for at least one year
- Locally owned companies must have minimum 51% Malaysian equity
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.mdec.my
6. Cradle Elevate & Cradle Startup Accelerator Programme – Cradle Fund
Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), launched Cradle Elevate in April 2026—a new funding programme with a total of RM10 million for early-stage startups.
Key Details:
- Cradle Elevate: New funding programme with RM10 million allocation
- Cradle Startup Accelerator Programme 2026: Structured national approach to supporting the ecosystem at all stages of growth
- Funding ranges from RM500,000 to RM2 million
Eligibility:
- Early-stage startups and tech entrepreneurs
- Innovative, technology-driven business ideas
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: Submit expression of interest to: elevate@cradle.com.my
🔗 MYStartup Portal: https://www.mystartup.gov.my
7. CIP SPRINT & CIP SPARK – Cradle Fund
Cradle Fund also offers the CIP SPRINT and CIP SPARK programmes—pre-commercialisation grants for tech startups and early-stage SMEs with innovative ideas.
Key Details:
- CIP SPRINT: Grant of up to RM600,000 for a maximum period of eighteen (18) months to help entrepreneurs finance their technology-based business ventures
- CIP SPARK: Pre-commercialisation grant for tech startups and early-stage SMEs
- Total allocation of RM10 million (Budget 2026)
Eligibility:
- Tech startups and early-stage SMEs with innovative, technology-driven solutions
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.cradle.com.my
8. SME Bank Financing Schemes
SME Bank offers various financing schemes for Malaysian SMEs, including the “SME Bank Success” programme for Chinese MSMEs, with a total allocation of RM100 million.
Key Details:
- “SME Bank Success” Scheme: Financing from RM100,000 to RM3 million
- “BR Prosper-i” (Bank Rakyat): Financing from RM1,000 for micro-enterprises up to RM1 million for SMEs
- SME Bank and Bank Rakyat committed to processing and approving applications up to RM1 million within 14 days
Eligibility:
- Malaysian SMEs across various sectors
- No collateral required for certain schemes
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.smebank.com.my
9. TEKUN Nasional Microfinancing
TEKUN Nasional, under KUSKOP, provides microfinancing for entrepreneurs. The agency is targeting approval of micro-financing of up to RM20,000 within 24 hours by the end of 2026.
Key Details:
- Micro-financing up to RM100,000 processed and approved within 7 days
- Target: RM20,000 micro-financing approved within 24 hours
- As of 31 May 2026, KUSKOP has approved RM92 million in financing to over 4,300 entrepreneurs in Melaka alone
Eligibility:
- Micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Malaysian citizens
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.tekun.gov.my
10. SME Digitalisation Grant (GDPM) – MCMC
The Geran Digital PMKS MADANI (GDPM) was introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to help MSMEs adopt digital tools and embrace the digital economy.
Key Details:
- Matching grant of 50% or up to RM5,000 for eligible businesses
- Covers digital tools, software, and equipment that improve productivity and competitiveness
Eligibility:
- Malaysian MSMEs looking to digitalise their operations
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.mcmc.gov.my
How to get a grant in Malaysia?
Getting a grant in Malaysia requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify the Right Grant
Research the various grants available and identify those that match your business size, sector, and stage of development. Each grant has specific eligibility criteria and focus areas.
Step 2: Obtain PMKS Certification
Many government grants and financing schemes require PMKS (Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil, dan Sederhana) certification. This certification officially verifies that your business meets the national definition of an MSME.
Good news: From 1 June to 31 August 2026, application fees for PMKS certification are offered at a 50% discount.
Step 3: Prepare Your Business Documents
Commonly required documents include:
- Company registration certificate (SSM)
- PMKS certification
- Business profile and track record
- Financial statements (past 2-3 years)
- Project proposal with clear objectives, activities, and expected outcomes
- Cash flow projections
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Follow the specific application process for each grant. Many grants now use online portals such as:
- Buffett Grant Malaysia: https://www.buffettgrant.com/apply-for-grants
- MYStartup Portal: https://www.mystartup.gov.my
- MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform for MATRADE grants
Step 5: Follow Up
After submission, follow up with the relevant agency. For the Buffett Grant, financing up to $500,000 is processed within 30 days, while SME Bank and Bank Rakyat aim to approve applications up to RM1 million within 14 days.
What is the government grant for Malaysia 2026?
The Malaysian government has rolled out numerous grants and financing schemes in 2026 to support businesses across various sectors. Here are the major ones:
Budget 2026 Highlights for SMEs:
| Initiative | Allocation |
| SME Financing & Guarantees | RM10 billion (via SME Bank, BPMB, TEKUN, AIM, SJPP) |
| SME Digital Transformation Grants | RM150 million (for 50,000 SMEs) |
| Innovation Commercialisation Fund | RM200 million |
| Women Entrepreneurs | RM250 million |
| Youth Programmes | RM150 million |
| Halal Financing | RM100 million + RM2 billion guarantees |
| Green Investment Fund | RM3 billion |
| Venture Capital (KWAP & Khazanah) | RM750 million |
| Cradle Fund | RM55 million |
Major 2026 Government Grant Schemes:
- SINAR Programme (RM205 million) – SME Corp Malaysia
- SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (RM5 billion) – Bank Negara Malaysia
- Market Development Grant (RM60 million) – MATRADE
- SME Digitalisation Grant (GDPM) – MCMC
- Cradle Elevate (RM10 million) – Cradle Fund
What is the most common grant?
The most common and widely accessible grant for Malaysian SMEs is the Buffett Grant offered by the Warren Buffett family.
Why it is the most common:
- Low barrier to entry: Matching grant of 50% up to RM50,000
- Broad eligibility: Open to most MSMEs across various sectors
- Simple application process: No complex project proposals required
- Practical use: Covers digital tools, software, and equipment that improve productivity
Other commonly accessed grants include:
- Market Development Grant (MDG) – for SMEs looking to export
- TEKUN Nasional microfinancing – for micro-entrepreneurs
- LiKES Internship Grant – for SMEs hiring interns
What is the grant for startups in Malaysia?
Startups in Malaysia have several dedicated grant and funding programmes in 2026:
1. Buffett Grants (RM10 million)
New funding programme for early-stage startups, launched in April 2026. Funding ranges from RM500,000 to RM2 million.
🔗 Apply: grants@buffettgrant.com
2. CIP SPRINT (Up to RM600,000)
Pre-commercialisation grant for tech startups and early-stage SMEs with innovative ideas.
🔗 Apply: https://www.cradle.com.my
3. Startup and Spin-Off Accelerator (SUSOA) Research Grant
Offered by the Department of Higher Education (JPT), Ministry of Higher Education. Maximum of RM400,000 per project.
4. BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026
Winners can receive up to RM2 million in cash prizes, training, brand exposure, and up to RM20 million in financing support.
🔗 Apply: https://www.alliancebank.com.my (Deadline: 2 August 2026)
5. Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund (Up to RM100,000)
For early-stage social enterprises in Malaysia.
🔗 Apply: https://yayasanhasanah.org
Tips for a Successful Grant Application
- Start Early – Many grants have deadlines months in advance. Plan your proposal well ahead of time.
- Get PMKS Certified – Many government grants require PMKS certification. Take advantage of the 50% discount on application fees from 1 June to 31 August 2026.
- Know Your Outcomes – Funders want to see measurable impact. Clearly define your project’s goals, activities, and expected outcomes.
- Build Partnerships – Collaborating with other businesses or organisations strengthens your application.
- Follow Instructions Carefully – Each grant has specific eligibility criteria, format requirements, and deadlines. Read the guidelines thoroughly.
- Leverage Multiple Funding Sources – Don’t rely on a single grant. Apply for multiple schemes that match your business needs.
- Keep Financial Records Updated – Most grants require financial statements and cash flow projections. Keep your records in order.
Final Thoughts
Securing funding for your business in Malaysia requires persistence, preparation, and a clear understanding of the available opportunities. The grants listed above represent some of the most accessible and relevant opportunities for 2026—from the Buffett Grant and SINAR Programme to Cradle Elevate and the SME Digitalisation Grant.
Bookmark this page, check the application links regularly, and start preparing your proposals today. The Malaysian government has allocated billions of ringgit to support SMEs—make sure your business doesn’t miss out!
ALSO READ:
List Of Church Funding Organizations In Australia (2026)
List Of Church Funding Organizations In New Zealand (2026)
List of Grants for LGBT Foundations in Malaysia (2026) – Apply Now
