Running a Digital & IT business in Malaysia?
Grants you can apply for, partners who can help, and practical guides — all in one place for Digital & IT SMEs.
Grants for Digital & IT businesses(27)
See all →BizJamin Bumi/-i 2.0 Guarantee Scheme
Not a cash grant — the Bumiputera variant of CGC's BizJamin 2.0: CGC guarantees between 30% and 90% of your bank financing, up to RM5 million per MSME, so participating banks can approve it. Guarantee period up to 15 years, risk-based guarantee fee of 0.50%–4.20% per annum. Covers working capital, asset acquisition, operations cost, renovation (reimbursement basis) and refinancing across term financing, cash line and trade facilities. Open to sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, private limited companies and professional entities registered in Malaysia with at least 51% Bumiputera shareholding. Conventional and Islamic (Kafalah-based) versions; apply through participating financial institutions.
BizJamin/-i 2.0 Guarantee Scheme
Not a cash grant — CGC stands behind your bank financing so the bank says yes. BizJamin/-i 2.0 guarantees between 30% and 80% of financing, up to RM5 million per MSME, with a guarantee period of up to 15 years and a risk-based guarantee fee of 0.50%–4.20% per annum. Covers working capital, asset acquisition, operations cost, renovation (reimbursement basis) and refinancing across term financing, cash line and trade facilities. Open to sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, private limited companies and professional entities registered in Malaysia with at least 51% Malaysian shareholding. Conventional and Islamic (Kafalah-based) versions; apply through participating financial institutions.
CIP Spark
Early-stage grant for tech startups at idea or prototype stage — companies or individuals. Company must be 5 years old or less and own its IP.
CIP Sprint
Seed-stage grant for tech startups ready to commercialise. Must be a Sdn Bhd, under 7 years old, with accumulated revenue of RM5M or less.
Dana Mudahcara MySTI
MTDC grant under MOSTI's MySTI programme for Malaysian start-ups and SMEs that developed their own technology through R&D and are producing it for government procurement. It covers 70% of project cost or RM1 million, whichever is lower, over a project of 3 to 12 months that ends when the procurement is completed. Eligible costs are product registration and regulatory compliance, machinery and equipment, raw materials, intellectual property protection, outsourcing, and product or service upgrades. To qualify you must be incorporated under the Companies Act 2016, at least 51% Malaysian-owned, hold MySTI logo certification, be registered with the Ministry of Finance's ePerolehan system, and be eligible for or already offered a government contract. There is no processing fee, and the grant may be converted into preference shares once the project tenure ends.
Digital Content Grant (DCG)
MDEC funding for original Malaysian digital content IP — animation and digital games — under two tracks, both open for applications on the live page (Jul 2026). The Mega Grant develops original animation or game IPs for global markets: up to 50% of project cost capped at RM2 million, Phase 1 of up to 24 months to complete the project, then 36 months of revenue sharing at 10% of net sales from the completion date. The Marketing & Commercialisation Grant scales an animation or game IP that is already market-ready: up to 100% of project cost capped at RM300,000 over up to 6 months of marketing activity, of which up to 40% of the allocation may go to salaries, IT hardware and software. Both disburse 20% of the approved amount on project mobilisation. Applications go through MDEC's awards platform.
Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA Assets)
A tax incentive for businesses that buy qualifying green technology assets (e.g. solar, energy-efficient equipment) listed on the MyHIJAU Directory. GITA Assets gives a 100% investment tax allowance on the qualifying capital expenditure, set off against up to 70% of statutory income. Applications for own-consumption assets go to MGTC. The current incentive window runs to 31 December 2026 — check for any Budget extension before planning around it.
Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS-i 5.0)
Government-guaranteed financing for green-technology projects — producers, users, ESCOs, green housing and low-carbon mobility. You need a Green Project Certificate from MGTC and at least 60% Malaysian ownership. The government guarantees 60–80% of the green-component cost (corporation charge 0.40% p.a.); the bank sets the financing rate. Available until 31 Dec 2026 or until the RM1bil allocation is used up.
HRD Corp Claimable Training (SBL-Khas)
Claim back the cost of staff training you have already paid for, from your HRD Corp levy account. For employers who pay the levy (mandatory at 10+ staff).
iTEKAD
A blended social-finance programme run by Islamic banks for B40 micro-entrepreneurs. It combines seed capital (funded by zakat, cash waqf, donations and social-impact investment) with microfinancing and structured business training to help low-income owners start and grow. Aimed at the bottom-40% income group; offered through participating Islamic banks and their implementation partners.
Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF)
The government co-invests alongside private investors in MSME campaigns on approved Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) financing platforms — RM1 of public money for every RM4 raised from the crowd (1:4), and a stronger 1:2 for food-security, environmental/social-impact and silver-economy campaigns. You don't apply to MyCIF directly: you run a campaign on a registered ECF/P2P platform and MyCIF tops it up automatically when you hit the threshold.
Malaysia Digital Catalyst Grant (MDCG)
MDEC matching grant to catalyse disruptive, innovative and sustainable solutions in Malaysia Digital promoted sectors, aligned with the National 4IR policy. Funds co-creation, problem-solving, development and commercialisation of a solution together with an end-user partner (the end-user must be an unrelated company — no shared ownership). Local companies get up to 50% of total project cost or RM1 million, whichever is lower (majority-foreign-owned: 30%), for a project of up to 1 year. Requires a company incorporated in Malaysia with at least RM50,000 issued share capital, at least 51% Malaysian equity, one year of audited accounts, and the project must create new IP or commercial value. Applications open on the live MDEC page (Jul 2026).
Market Development Grant (MDG)
Reimburses export-promotion costs — overseas trade shows, market entry, marketing. RM300k lifetime cap; pre-approval needed before you spend. Apply via the MADANI Digital Trade Platform.
Micro Enterprises Facility (MEF)
BNM micro-financing — through participating banks — giving micro enterprises fast, collateral-free access to up to RM50,000 for working capital or capital expenditure. It has been widened to include self-employed individuals and gig-economy workers on digital platforms. This is financing you repay; apply at a participating financial institution.
Relief and Adaptation Facility (RAFt)
BNM enhanced its Disaster Relief Facility into RAFt (August 2025) to promote SME flood preparedness amid worsening flood risk. Two forms of financing of up to RM1 million each: relief financing, available after major floods to support recovery; and adaptation financing, available anytime for SMEs to invest in flood protection and business resilience. This is financing you repay; apply through a participating financial institution (also available as a CGC BizJamin/-i guarantee variant).
SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF)
A new BNM facility (announced 2026) for SMEs facing short-term financial pressure from disruptions to global trade and supply chains arising from the geopolitical conflict in West Asia. Provides timely working capital financing to help viable SMEs stabilise and sustain operations. Open for applications from 15 May 2026 to 31 December 2026 or full utilisation, whichever is earlier. This is financing you repay; apply through a participating financial institution (also available as a CGC BizJamin/-i guarantee variant).
TEKUN Niaga Financing Scheme
Micro-financing (a repayable loan, not a grant) for small businesses, with a focus on Bumiputera entrepreneurs. Financing comes in three tiers: Skim Pembiayaan Mikro RM1,000–RM10,000 and Skim Pembiayaan Kecil RM10,001–RM50,000, both repayable over up to 5 years, and Skim Pembiayaan Sederhana RM50,001–RM100,000 over up to 10 years, at a 4% rate per year. Open to all business sectors including retail, services, manufacturing, agriculture, online business and small contractors. Applicants are generally Malaysian citizens aged 18–60 with a valid SSM registration or licence and a full-time business, and must join the group takaful cover. Non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs can apply under the Skim TEMAN TEKUN.
Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant (MDAG)
Growth grant for digital/tech companies adopting or building emerging technology (AI, blockchain, IoT, quantum). Funding varies by track — the AI track (MDAG-AI) funds up to 70% of cost or RM5 million, whichever is lower, over up to 3 years. Generally needs Malaysia Digital status and some operating history. Runs in call windows.
SemiconStart Malaysia
National semiconductor incubator and accelerator run by MTDC with Silicon Catalyst UK, built on the ChipStart UK and EU models. Phase 1a (incubation) gives up to RM1 million per company as a convertible grant over 12 months, June 2026 to June 2027; companies that graduate can access Phase 1b (acceleration) of up to RM10 million per company through redeemable convertible preference shares over up to 36 months. Participants get access to Silicon Catalyst's ecosystem — EDA tools, simulation software, foundry PDKs, multi-project wafer runs, and 400+ industry advisors. Open to companies incorporated in Malaysia with technology at TRL 3/4 and above across IC design, advanced materials, photonics and optics, MEMS and sensors, quantum, advanced packaging and semiconductor manufacturing; start-ups, SMEs, joint ventures and subsidiaries all qualify, and companies under 51% Malaysian-owned must keep a 1:3 foreign-to-local technical talent ratio and commit to filing IP with MyIPO. Applications for the inaugural 2026 cohort ran from April 2026 and closed on 21 May 2026 — watch the page for the next cohort.
SUPERB (Skim Usahawan Permulaan Bumiputera)
Conditional grant for young Bumiputera founders aged 21–40 starting a new company (3 years old or less, 51%+ Bumiputera), offering RM100,000 at idea stage and up to RM500,000 at commercial stage. Historically run in pitch windows about four times a year. TERAJU's SUPERB portal is currently unreachable — it fails to load in a normal browser, not just for automated checks — so there is no working application page to link to at the moment. TERAJU has not announced that the scheme has ended; contact TERAJU directly if you want to apply.
Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP)
A matching grant from SME Corp to strengthen 100% Bumiputera-owned SMEs — productivity, certification, business development and capability building. The matching rate scales with size (around 90% for micro, 60% small, 50% medium), up to RM500,000. You generally need a valid premise licence, at least six months in operation, and a SCORE rating of 1 star or above. Businesses that already received BAP 3.0 are not eligible. Runs in intake windows.
CGC BizMula-i / BizWanita-i Financing
Direct financing (repayable) from Credit Guarantee Corporation for newer businesses — generally less than four years in operation — drawing on Bank Negara's Fund for SMEs. BizMula-i covered start-ups broadly and BizWanita-i was the version aimed at women entrepreneurs, typically RM50,000 to RM300,000 over up to seven years. Both are no longer offered: their pages now return CGC's 404 and the old financing link serves TPUB-i instead. If you need direct CGC financing today, look at the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Project Fund-i (TPUB-i) for contract financing, or at CGC's BizJamin/-i 2.0 guarantee if what you actually need is a bank to say yes.
Commercialisation of R&D Fund (CRDF)
Hybrid grant + loan to commercialise completed R&D into a market-ready product. MTDC has retired CRDF — its application page is gone and the Developmental Fund is now delivered as Dana MySTI, made up of Dana Mudahcara MySTI (70% of project cost or up to RM1 million) and Dana Uji Beli MySTI, both aimed at local R&D products headed for government procurement. Listed here for reference only; check Dana MySTI instead.
High Tech and Green Facility (HTG)
A BNM financing facility — accessed through a participating bank — for SMEs and innovative start-ups investing in strategic, high-technology and green fields: digital technology, green technology and biotechnology. It is designed to help technology-driven firms grow and invest in these areas. Financing you repay; apply through a participating financial institution. The facility has a fixed allocation, so confirm it is still available.
Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF)
BNM financing — taken through a participating bank — to help SMEs in any sector adopt sustainable, low-carbon practices. It funds working capital or capital expenditure (energy-efficient equipment, solar, sustainability certification, etc.), up to RM10mil per SME, tenure up to 10 years, at a rate up to 5% p.a. inclusive of the guarantee fee. This is financing you repay; you apply at a participating financial institution. Allocations run in tranches — confirm availability before applying.
MSME Digital Grant MADANI
Covers half the cost of going digital — e-invoicing, POS, e-commerce, accounting and digital marketing via registered providers. Note: the 2025 intake closed; check for a new round.
Technology Development Fund (TeD)
A MOSTI grant to develop and commercialise local technology. TeD1 funds early-stage R&D (Technology Readiness Level 2–3) up to RM1mil at 90–100%. TeD2 helps you commercialise a proven prototype (TRL 4+) — SMEs get up to 65% of project cost and co-fund the rest (at least 35% in cash). Your company must be SSM-registered, majority Malaysian-owned, and (for TeD2) in operation between 1 and 5 years.
Partners who serve Digital & IT(2)
See all →Websites, workflow systems and practical IT training for small businesses.
I help small businesses get online and work smarter — building websites, setting up workflow systems that automate day-to-day operations, and teaching teams the IT skills they need. Message me directly on WhatsApp to talk through what your business needs.
Affordable, professional websites for Malaysian small businesses.
Webi Garoo builds clean, professional websites for small businesses without the big agency price tag. Every site is custom-designed to fit your business, looks great on phones and laptops alike, and comes with ongoing support so it keeps working long after launch. Recent work includes Green Chapter and SmartCare Auto Service Centre in Kuching. Visit the website or message on WhatsApp to get a quote.
Guides for Digital & IT owners(4)
See all →Online Business Ideas for Malaysians (2026)
Want to start a business you can run from a laptop? Practical online business ideas suited to Malaysia — from dropshipping and content to freelancing and digital products — with how to start each one legally.
Home-Based Business Ideas & How to Register One
Starting from home keeps costs low and risk small. Home-based business ideas suited to Malaysia, the rules and licences to be aware of, and how to register so you can grow without surprises.
Low-Capital Business Ideas for Malaysian SMEs (Start in 2026)
You don't need big money to start. Practical, low-cost business ideas you can test this month in Malaysia — how to choose one, and what to do once it gains traction.
MyInvois e-Invoicing in Malaysia: What Every SME Must Do
LHDN is rolling out mandatory e-invoicing in phases. What MyInvois is, who is affected and when, portal vs API, and a practical checklist to get ready without the panic.
Frequently asked questions
What government grants are available for Digital & IT businesses in Malaysia?
Malaysian Digital & IT SMEs can apply for grants including BizJamin Bumi/-i 2.0 Guarantee Scheme, BizJamin/-i 2.0 Guarantee Scheme, CIP Spark, CIP Sprint, Dana Mudahcara MySTI. Eligibility depends on factors like SSM registration, business age and ownership.
Where can I find help to grow my Digital & IT business in Malaysia?
EquatorBiz lists vetted partners who serve Digital & IT businesses, covering services such as Website, Workflow System, IT Education, Web Design, Mobile Responsive.
Do Digital & IT businesses need to be registered with SSM to apply for grants?
Most Malaysian grants require an SSM-registered business, and some require a Sdn Bhd specifically. Register your Digital & IT business, keep clean records and a business bank account, then check each grant's eligibility before applying.