KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) has allocated RM80mil under three enhanced financing programmes to support 220 Bumiputera entrepreneurs by providing faster access to capital and improving business cash flow.
The three programmes, Prosper Grow Biz Express, Prosper Grow Fuel Up and Prosper Grow Auto Biz, offer financing at rates starting from as low as 3.5% per annum on a flat-rate basis for selected products.
Under Prosper Grow Biz Express, eligible entrepreneurs can obtain financing ranging from RM100,000 to RM300,000, with funds potentially disbursed within 12 working days, subject to complete documentation and credit assessment.
The programme targets sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability partnerships in the retail, distributive trade and manufacturing sectors.
In a statement, PUNB chief executive officer Izwan Zainuddin said timely access to capital could determine whether a business is able to seize growth opportunities or postpone expansion.
"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.
"This approach enables entrepreneurs to move more quickly without compromising financial discipline or long-term business sustainability," he said.
Prosper Grow Fuel Up provides working capital financing of up to 100% for inventory purchases by Bumiputera petrol station operators. Financing ranges from RM100,000 to RM1mil, with a tenure of up to seven years.
Meanwhile, Prosper Grow Auto Biz is aimed at automotive service centres under strategic partners such as PETRONAS AutoExpert.
The programme offers financing of between RM100,000 and RM1mil for fixed assets and working capital, with repayment tenures of up to seven years.
PUNB also offers a principal repayment grace period of up to six months, subject to assessment, to allow entrepreneurs time to stabilise operations before principal repayments begin.
Izwan said the programmes reflect PUNB's role as a business development partner rather than solely a financing provider, with the aim of building more resilient and competitive Bumiputera businesses.
The initiative supports the Bumiputera economic development agenda and the Ekonomi MADANI framework by expanding entrepreneurs' participation in economic activities and strengthening business competitiveness.
