KEPALA BATAS: The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has partnered with AmBank Islamic Bhd to facilitate business seed capital distribution of RM200,000 to its "empowerNCER” entrepreneurs in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) via the iTEKAD programme.
In a statement today, NCIA said the iTEKAD programme initiated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in 2020 aims to empower micro-entrepreneurs comprising the asnaf and B40 groups to generate sustainable income in line with the goals of Budget 2024.
NCIA chief executive Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said the iTEKAD seed capital is financed fully by AmBank Islamic.
He said the iTEKAD programme at the northern region level launched today involved the handing over of business start-up capital assistance to 50 empowerNCER recipients in three states in NCER, namely Perlis, Kedah and Penang.
He said the programme in Perak was implemented by AmBank Islamic together with the Perak State Entrepreneur Secretariat in January.
"The empowerNCER programme focuses on improving skills through free comprehensive entrepreneurship guidance and training.
"The iTEKAD allocation by AmBank Islamic is seen to complement this programme by offering an important capital injection for a business, especially a micro-enterprise.
"I am confident that the iTEKAD capital financing offer from AmBank Islamic will help empowerNCER entrepreneurs to further expand their businesses, including leveraging digital technology and marketing strategies. In addition, they will also be provided with a business start-up kit by NCER," he said.
Mohamad Haris said the development of micro, small and medium enterprises has always been a priority at NCER via the implementation of talent development programmes, which helped produce more than 81,000 entrepreneurs in the northern region since 2019.
He noted that the programme also aims to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural areas, ensure that no group is left out of the flow of development and create a strong local economic ecosystem to attract investors to the region.
Meanwhile, Ambank Islamic chief executive officer Eqhwan Mokhzanee said NCER is an ideal strategic partner given its deep involvement in identifying eligible asnaf and interaction with stakeholders at the grassroots level.
He said the bank is pleased to extend its support to micro-entrepreneurs in the northern region through strategic collaboration with NCIA and supported by BNM’s Penang office.
"The iTEKAD programme emphasises our dedication to driving inclusive economic growth for all Malaysians, including asnaf micro-entrepreneurs and B40 micro-entrepreneurs.
"The bank remains firm in its commitment to sparking positive change, driving local economic development and supporting micro-entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable success through the iTEKAD programme,” he added. - Bernama
