MSME Support (SME Corp, MARA, TEKUN)

Government support for small and medium enterprises

What is MSME?

MSME stands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The government has many programmes to help MSMEs.

Agencies that help:

🏢 SME Corp: Main MSME agency
📚 MARA: For Bumiputera entrepreneurs
💰 TEKUN: Micro-financing

Types of help available:

Grants and funding
Training and courses
Business advisory
Market access

How to apply:

Check eligibility
Prepare business plan
Submit application
Attend interview/pitch
Wait for approval

Important numbers:

SME Corp: 03-6201 2000
MARA: 03-2610 2000
TEKUN: 03-8925 6000

Overview

MSMEs contribute significantly to Malaysia's economy. The government provides various support programmes through multiple agencies.

MSME Definition

Category	Sales Turnover	Employees
Micro	< RM300k	< 5
Small	RM300k - RM3M	5-30
Medium	RM3M - RM20M	31-200

Key Support Agencies

SME Corp Malaysia:

Main coordinating agency for MSMEs
Grants and matching grants
Training programmes
Business advisory services
Website: smecorp.gov.my

MARA:

For Bumiputera entrepreneurs
Business loans
Training and development
Market access programmes
Website: mara.gov.my

TEKUN Nasional:

Micro-financing
Small loans (RM500 - RM50,000)
For all Malaysians
Simple application process
Website: tekun.gov.my

Support Programmes

Financial Support:

Soft loans (low interest)
Grants (non-repayable)
Matching grants
Guarantee schemes

Training & Development:

Business management courses
Digital marketing training
Export readiness programmes
Mentorship programmes

Market Access:

Government procurement opportunities
Trade fair participation
E-commerce platforms
Export facilitation

How to Apply

Register business: Ensure SSM registration
Check eligibility: Review programme criteria
Prepare documents: Business plan, financial statements
Submit application: Online or at agency office
Attend interview/pitch: If shortlisted
Wait for approval: Processing time varies

Important Contacts

SME Corp: 03-6201 2000
MARA: 03-2610 2000
TEKUN: 03-8925 6000
SME InfoLine: 1-800-88-7637

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for MSME support?

Registered Malaysian businesses meeting MSME definition (by sales or employees). Some programmes have additional criteria (sector, Bumiputera status, etc.).

Are grants repayable?

Grants are non-repayable. However, you must use funds for approved purposes and submit reports. Loans must be repaid with interest.

How long does approval take?

Varies by programme. TEKUN: 1-2 weeks. SME Corp grants: 1-3 months. MARA loans: 2-4 weeks.

Can I apply for multiple programmes?

Yes, you can apply for multiple programmes but cannot double-claim for same expenses. Each programme has separate application.

Last updated: March 2026

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Always verify with official sources for the most current information.