Malaysia has launched a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s women-led business ecosystem through the Dana Ekonomi Usahawan Wanita (DEWI) initiative.
Introduced by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP), the programme allocates nearly RM3 billion in financing and support programmes designed to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
The initiative is expected to benefit between 200,000 and 300,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide, covering businesses across the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors.
The announcement was made by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong during the launch of TikTok Shop Bazar Raya 2026 in Putrajaya, ahead of the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2026.
Through this initiative, the government hopes to nurture more successful women entrepreneurs and produce more “Iron Ladies” in the Malaysian business world.
DEWI: A More Coordinated Approach to Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The DEWI initiative was created to bring together various women entrepreneurship programmes that were previously implemented separately by different agencies.
By consolidating these initiatives, the government aims to coordinate resources more effectively while delivering stronger and more focused support to women-owned businesses.
This integrated approach allows entrepreneurs to gain access not only to financing but also training programmes, development support, and entrepreneurship facilities under a more structured ecosystem.
Ultimately, the goal is to help women entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, expand operations, and compete in larger markets both locally and internationally.
One of the key highlights of the DEWI initiative is the wide range of financing available to women entrepreneurs.
Funding support ranges from RM1,000 for micro entrepreneurs to as much as RM3 million for more established businesses.
This structure ensures that the initiative can support women entrepreneurs at different stages of business development, from small home-based businesses to expanding SMEs seeking capital for growth.
The funding can be used for working capital, purchasing equipment, increasing production capacity, expanding operations, or entering new markets.
Financing Programmes Under DEWI
Several financing programmes are offered under the DEWI initiative, each designed to support different types of businesses.
• Skim Pembiayaan Wanita – TEKUN Nasional
This programme focuses on micro entrepreneurs and small businesses. Financing of up to RM30,000 is available with a repayment period of up to three years and an estimated profit rate of around 4 percent per year.
• BR BizLady-i – Bank Rakyat
This programme provides financing of up to RM1 million to support women entrepreneurs expanding their businesses. The repayment period can extend up to seven years for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and up to five years for micro businesses. The estimated profit rate is around 5.25 percent per year for SMEs and approximately 4 percent annually for micro businesses.
• MySMELady 2.0 – SME Bank
Designed for more established SMEs, this programme offers financing ranging from RM100,000 up to RM3 million. The funding can be used for business expansion, asset purchases, or improving production capacity and competitiveness.
• Skim Pembiayaan Ikhtiar – Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia
This programme focuses on micro entrepreneurs and lower income households, especially women seeking to improve their financial position through business. Financing of up to RM30,000 is available with repayment periods of up to 150 weeks.
How to Apply for the DEWI Initiative
Women entrepreneurs who wish to apply for financing under the DEWI initiative can submit their applications through the respective agencies managing each programme.
• Skim Pembiayaan Wanita (TEKUN Nasional)
Applicants can contact or visit the nearest TEKUN Nasional branch for assistance.
More information is available at https://www.tekun.gov.my
• BR BizLady-i (Bank Rakyat)
Applications can be submitted online through the Bank Rakyat portal at https://qr2e.bankrakyat.com.my/suite
• MySMELady 2.0 (SME Bank)
Applications can be submitted through the SME Bank website at https://www.smebank.com.my/mysmelady
• Skim Pembiayaan Ikhtiar (Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia)
Applicants can contact or visit the nearest AIM branch for assistance.
Further information is available at https://aim.gov.my
Before applying, entrepreneurs are encouraged to prepare business registration documents, financial records, and identification documents to help facilitate the approval process.
Strengthening Women’s Role in Malaysia’s Economy
Women entrepreneurs play an increasingly important role in Malaysia’s MSME sector, particularly in industries such as retail, food services, e-commerce, manufacturing, and professional services.
Through the DEWI initiative, the government aims to accelerate the growth of women-led businesses while strengthening the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia.
By combining financing support, training, and business development programmes, the initiative hopes to nurture a new generation of resilient and successful Malaysian women entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
Sources: 1| 2| 3
Related articles:
SDP 2026: Creators Can Now Apply for Up to RM250,000 in Matching Grants
Govt Introduces RM100 Million Financing for Chinese MSMEs
Discussion about this post