PETALING JAYA - As a testament to its unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses, Agrobank has unveiled the Agro Pintar Niaga Programme (AgroPintar). This revolutionary initiative marks a significant milestone in supporting microentrepreneurs across Malaysia. According to thesun.my, the programme is set to provide an impressive RM50 million in financing, complemented by an additional RM5 million in i-Tekad matching grants.
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
Tengku Datuk Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, Group President/CEO of Agrobank, emphasized that AgroPintar is not just about providing funds. It’s a holistic program that combines financing with essential entrepreneurship training and i-Tekad grant matching. The initiative includes comprehensive modules covering financial literacy, business ethics, and management skills that are crucial for the competitiveness and decision-making of microenterprises.
Transforming Business Knowledge into Practical Success
AgroPintar sets itself apart by prioritizing financial literacy, aiming to enhance microentrepreneurs’ capabilities in financial management, credit risk control, and debt management. These skills are essential for sustainable growth and efficient business decision-making. “We believe this initiative will not only drive positive economic outcomes but also foster social development among microentrepreneurs,” said Ahmad Badli Shah.
Targeting the Heart of Low-Income Communities
With a focus on benefiting low-income communities, the programme aims to impact over 4,000 microenterprises. Through business and contract farming financing schemes, Agrobank is propelling these entrepreneurs toward a future of empowered economic participation and growth.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Agrobank is committed to monitoring the impact and effectiveness of AgroPintar six months post-enrollment. This reflects its dedication to continuous improvement and ensuring the programme meets its objectives in uplifting Malaysia’s microenterprises.
Financial Literacy Video Series: Educating the Youth
In a bid to instill financial awareness from a young age, Agrobank, in collaboration with the Financial Education Network, has launched a 12-episode financial literacy video series. Featuring popular social media influencer Sir Asai, the series promotes financial habits through the 3S approach – Spend, Save, and Share. By targeting school students, Agrobank is laying the foundation for responsible money management and financial well-being for the future generation.
The AgroPintar initiative, bolstered by this educational engagement, underscores Agrobank’s broad and inclusive approach to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through strategic support and education, Agrobank continues to pave the way for promising opportunities within Malaysia’s microenterprise sector.
