KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd
has shortlisted 13 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as finalists for its BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026, selected from more than 500 submissions.
The finalists represent various sectors, including healthcare, education, personal care, digital media, food and beverage, and retail.
The 13 finalists are CeX Entertainment Exchange, Click2Health, FFF Media Group, Healez, HYGR, Its Herbs, Kalt Air Conditioning, Kapas Living, Kiddos Play Lab, Nateskin, Siikat Natural Headspa, Taka Patisserie and The Pastels Shop.
Alliance Bank group chief executive officer Kellee Kam said the finalists reflected the growing emphasis on innovation and sustainability among Malaysian entrepreneurs.
"The calibre of this year's finalists reflects the ambition, innovation and growing focus on sustainability among Malaysian entrepreneurs," he said in a statement.
“Reaching the finals is no small feat – these founders have been tested on every aspect of their business, and they have risen to the challenge.
“Through the BizSmart® Challenge, we connect promising businesses with the expertise, networks and financial solutions they need to scale sustainably and contribute to Malaysia's economic growth."
The competition began with 30 shortlisted businesses undergoing a four-day accelerator and coaching programme covering financing, business risks, halal certification, sustainability and growth strategies.
Participants subsequently underwent business pitching sessions and assessments by a panel of judges, with three securing wildcard entries through an additional questioning round.
The 13 finalists will compete for RM400,000 in cash prizes for the top three placings, alongside several special awards.
These include a RM50,000 environmental, social and governance (ESG) Accelerator Award, RM50,000 in prizes under the Partner Selection Award and RM180,000 worth of media prizes.
The competition also features a People's Choice Award, offering RM10,000 to the finalist receiving the most public votes.
Public voting will run from Nov 17 to 23 through www.bizsmart.com.my, with the winners to be announced on Nov 25.
Launched in 2013, the BizSmart Challenge has supported more than 185 businesses and is now in its eighth season.
