Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) has allocated RM80 million to support 220 Bumiputera entrepreneurs through three specialised financing programmes aimed at improving access to capital, strengthening cash flow and expanding business capacity.
The programmes, namely PROSPER GROW Biz Express, PROSPER GROW Fuel Up and PROSPER GROW Auto Biz, offer financing rates starting from as low as 3.5% per annum on a flat-rate basis for selected products. PUNB said the facilities are designed to help businesses manage rising operating costs, purchase inventory, acquire assets and pursue expansion opportunities.
PUNB Chief Executive Officer Izwan Zainuddin said timely access to capital could determine whether entrepreneurs could capture growth opportunities or delay their plans.
“Entrepreneurs today need more than an appropriate amount of financing. They also need an efficient process and payment structures that reflect the operational realities of their businesses,” he said.
Under PROSPER GROW Biz Express, eligible entrepreneurs in the retail, distributive trade, and manufacturing sectors can access financing between RM100,000 and RM300,000, with funds potentially disbursed within 12 working days after the completion of documentation and credit assessment.
Meanwhile, PROSPER GROW Fuel Up provides working capital financing of up to RM1 million for petrol station operators to support inventory purchases, while PROSPER GROW Auto Biz assists automotive service centres with financing for fixed assets and working capital needs.
Izwan said the programmes reflected PUNB’s role as a business development partner rather than only a financing provider, to build more resilient businesses that can compete across broader value chains.
“Financing must be accompanied by an understanding of the business model, sector requirements and the entrepreneur’s actual capacity so that the growth achieved can be sustained,” he said.
