Kuala Lumpur – SME Bank’s iTEKAD Penjana Community programme has successfully empowered 249 B40 micro-entrepreneurs in 2023. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted the programme’s significant impact on the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, With an allocation of RM1.24 million, the programme has transformed the lives of single mothers, asnaf, persons with disabilities, and students. Ewon stated that participants recorded at least a 30% increase in sales and many asnaf members have become zakat contributors.

The programme is in line with the ministry’s mission to create a holistic entrepreneurial ecosystem. SME Bank Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr. Aria Putera Ismail said the bank’s iTEKAD programme started in 2020, offering financial support to B40 entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At an event, SME Bank celebrated the achievements of 10 participants whose monthly income increased by up to 70% since joining the programme.