Last updated: 2026-01-298 min read

Budget 2026 SME Grants & Loans Malaysia

Budget 2026, presented on 10 October 2025 under the MADANI framework, marks a record commitment to Malaysian SMEs with RM50 billion for business financing, including RM30 billion in SJPP government-backed guarantees. This guide covers all the grants, loans, and incentives announced for SMEs.

Quick Facts

Pro Tip

Budget allocations are typically disbursed through existing agencies like SME Corp, TEKUN, and CGC. Apply early as funds are often exhausted before year-end.

Key SME Financing Highlights

Total Allocation Breakdown

CategoryAllocationTarget Beneficiaries
SJPP Government GuaranteesRM30 billionSMEs needing bank loans
BNM Special FundsRM3.8 billionDigitalisation, automation, green
Microfinancing (TEKUN/BSN)RM3.2 billionMicro enterprises
EXIM Bank FacilitiesRM10 billionExport-focused SMEs
Women EntrepreneursRM270 millionWomen-owned businesses
Youth MADANI ProgrammeRM150 millionYoung entrepreneurs
Strategic Co-Investment FundRM200 millionSMEs and mid-tier companies
Startup EcosystemRM750 million VC + RM55 million CradleHigh-growth startups

GGSM2 Enhancement (RM20 Billion)

The Government Guarantee Scheme for SMEs (GGSM2) continues as the flagship financing program with enhanced features:

What's New in 2026

  • Extended guarantee coverage: Now up to 80% (from 70%)
  • Higher loan ceiling: Up to RM20 million per SME
  • Reduced guarantee fee: 0.5% p.a. (down from 1%)
  • Expanded eligibility: Businesses with 1 year operation (from 2 years)
  • Streamlined application: Single submission to participating banks

GGSM2 Eligibility

GGSM2 Requirements

  • SSM registered business
  • At least 1 year in operation (reduced from 2 years)
  • Malaysian-owned (51% or more)
  • Annual sales not exceeding RM50 million
  • Not classified as impaired account by any bank
  • Not in prohibited industries (gambling, weapons, etc.)

Learn more about GGSM2

Microfinancing Programs (RM3 Billion)

Enhanced funding for micro enterprises through:

TEKUN Nasional (RM2 Billion)

  • Loan amount: RM1,000 to RM100,000
  • Target: Bumiputera entrepreneurs
  • New features:
    • Faster processing (7 days vs. 14 days)
    • New digital application platform
    • Mentorship program included

Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (RM1 Billion)

  • Loan amount: RM2,000 to RM100,000
  • Target: B40 and low-income entrepreneurs
  • Enhanced programs:
    • Higher loan limits for proven borrowers
    • Business development support

Digital Transformation Grants (RM500 Million)

New grants specifically for SME digitalization:

SME Digitalization Grant

ComponentGrant AmountWhat It Covers
E-commerce AdoptionUp to RM5,000Online store setup, marketplace fees
Cloud/SaaS SolutionsUp to RM5,000Accounting, CRM, inventory systems
Digital MarketingUp to RM3,000SEO, social media, digital ads
CybersecurityUp to RM3,000Security tools, assessment
POS SystemsUp to RM5,000Point-of-sale equipment

Total matching grant: Up to RM5,000 per SME (50% matching)

How to Apply

  1. Register at SME Corp portal
  2. Select approved service providers
  3. Submit quotation and business documents
  4. Receive approval within 14 days
  5. Implement solution and claim reimbursement

Pro Tip

Digital grants are popular and typically run out fast. Apply as soon as the portal opens (usually Q1 2026).

Green/ESG Financing (RM2 Billion)

Special incentives for sustainable businesses:

Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS)

  • Loan amount: Up to RM20 million
  • Interest subsidy: 2% reduction on market rate
  • Guarantee coverage: 60%
  • Sectors: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings

ESG-Linked Loans

Banks offering preferential rates for SMEs meeting ESG criteria:

ESG AchievementRate Discount
Environmental certification (ISO 14001)0.5% reduction
Social responsibility benchmarks0.25% reduction
Governance standards (internal audit)0.25% reduction
Combined ESG score above thresholdUp to 1% reduction

Learn more about ESG financing

Halal Industry Development (RM1 Billion)

Dedicated financing for halal industry growth:

Halal Development Fund

  • Certification costs: Grants up to RM30,000 for JAKIM certification
  • Facility upgrades: Loans up to RM5 million at preferential rates
  • Export support: Marketing grants for halal products abroad
  • Training: Subsidized halal compliance training

Learn more about Halal financing

Women Entrepreneur Programs (RM1.5 Billion)

Enhanced allocation for women-owned businesses:

I-Fikrah Women Entrepreneur Fund

  • Loan amount: Up to RM200,000
  • Rate: Competitive rates with government subsidy
  • Target: 100% women-owned businesses

Women Microfinance

  • TEKUN Wanita: Special allocation for women
  • AIM Women: Priority processing for women applicants

Women Entrepreneur Benefits

  • Lower documentation requirements
  • Priority processing for certain schemes
  • Mentorship and networking programs
  • Business training subsidies
  • Childcare support integration

Export Development (RM800 Million)

For SMEs expanding internationally:

EXIM Bank SME Facilities

  • Pre-export financing: Working capital for export orders
  • Post-export financing: Bridge until payment received
  • Export credit insurance: Protection against buyer default

MATRADE Grants

  • Market Development Grant: Up to RM300,000 for international marketing
  • Trade fair participation: Subsidized booth costs abroad
  • E-commerce export: Support for cross-border online sales

Startup Ecosystem (RM1.2 Billion)

For high-growth technology startups:

MYStartup Fund

  • Matching investment: Government co-invests with approved VCs
  • Grant component: Non-dilutive funding for R&D

Cradle Investment Programs

  • CIP SPARK: Up to RM150,000 for pre-revenue startups
  • CIP IGNITE: Up to RM500,000 for early-stage scaling

Sector-Specific Allocations

Agriculture & Agro-Food (RM500 Million)

  • Agrobank special financing
  • Modern farming equipment loans
  • Cold chain infrastructure funding

Manufacturing (RM1 Billion)

  • Industry 4.0 adoption grants
  • Automation equipment financing
  • Quality certification support

Tourism & Hospitality (RM300 Million)

  • Recovery financing extended
  • Digital tourism adoption grants
  • Sustainable tourism incentives

Tax Incentives for SMEs

Budget 2026 also includes tax benefits:

IncentiveBenefit
SME tax rate15% on first RM150,000 (extended)
R&D double deductionExtended to 2028
Digital investment allowance60% capital allowance
Green technology incentive100% investment tax allowance
Training deductionDouble deduction for approved training

How to Stay Updated

Track Budget 2026 Implementation

  • Monitor SME Corp website for grant openings
  • Follow Ministry of Finance announcements
  • Register with participating agencies (TEKUN, CGC, MDEC)
  • Join SME associations for early information
  • Subscribe to bank newsletters for scheme launches

Application Tips

Pro Tip

Government funds often operate on first-come-first-served basis. Prepare your documents now so you're ready when applications open.

Documents to Prepare

Standard Documentation

  • Latest SSM profile/business registration
  • IC of directors/owners
  • 6-12 months bank statements
  • Business plan or proposal
  • Financial statements (if available)
  • Proof of business activity (invoices, contracts)

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Help Navigating Budget 2026 Schemes

The variety of schemes can be overwhelming. We help SMEs identify and apply for the most suitable programs.

Disclaimer: Interest rates, loan amounts, and eligibility requirements shown are indicative and subject to change. Contact the respective bank or institution directly for the latest rates and terms. Last reviewed: January 2026.

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