Have a business idea but need help getting started? Young entrepreneurs in Sarawak can seek grants of up to RM15,000 through SYStartUP, alongside training, business guidance and support to reach new markets.
The assistance forms part of Sarawak’s efforts to help young people overcome common business challenges, from limited startup capital to difficulties managing finances and finding customers.
Beyond the grant, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) has also partnered with Affin Bank to establish a RM25 million soft loan facility, providing another financing avenue for young entrepreneurs.
SYStartUP Grants To Support Early Business Needs
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat said the grant was intended to help eligible young entrepreneurs meet their initial business needs and develop their ventures.
He was responding to a question from Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting on 16 October 2026.
Under SYStartUP, applicants can receive assistance of up to RM15,000. However, funding is subject to eligibility requirements and application approval, meaning the maximum amount is not automatically awarded to every applicant.
The grant and the RM25 million soft loan facility are separate forms of support. The latter represents the overall financing facility established with Affin Bank, rather than the amount available to each entrepreneur.
More Than Capital: Learning To Run A Business
Starting a business takes more than having enough money to open the doors. Entrepreneurs also need to understand registration requirements, manage their cash flow and prepare a workable business plan.
Ripin said the ministry provides guidance on business registration and licensing, financial management and business plan preparation.
Follow-up monitoring also helps identify problems faced by participants, allowing them to receive suitable advice and referrals.
This makes SYStartUP part of a broader support system that extends beyond startup funding. Entrepreneurs can receive help with the practical decisions that affect whether their businesses can continue operating and grow.
The ministry also supports marketing and business networking, helping young business owners connect with potential customers and explore wider commercial opportunities.
A SYStartUP Hub For Advice And Connections
Sarawak has also established its first SYStartUP Hub, creating a reference centre and networking platform for young entrepreneurs.
The hub provides access to information on entrepreneurship programmes, financing opportunities and business advisory services. It also helps coordinate support for business management and future growth.
For someone unsure where to seek assistance, the SYStartUP Hub offers a place to learn about available programmes and connect with relevant support.
Ripin said MYSED was also working with the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak to establish a special committee to coordinate private-sector and government-linked company involvement in developing startups and micro, small and medium enterprises.
The proposed coordination aims to expand access to industry mentoring, business matching, markets and strategic partnerships.
Addressing The Challenges Behind Business Survival
Ripin identified poor business planning, weak financial management and limited experience as factors that can hold young entrepreneurs back.
Other challenges include difficulty securing financing, accessing markets and making effective use of technology and digital marketing.
These issues explain why funding alone may not be enough. A business owner also needs to know how to price products, control spending and attract customers consistently.
The wider support surrounding SYStartUP seeks to address these gaps through guidance, monitoring and connections to business opportunities.
Ripin also acknowledged barriers facing young people interested in agriculture and livestock farming, including high startup costs, access to land, technical knowledge and the time needed before earning returns.
Nevertheless, he said these sectors have significant potential when developed as modern commercial ventures supported by technology, training, financing and suitable marketing channels.
How To Find Out More About SYStartUP
Young Sarawakians interested in the assistance can visit the MYSED Announcement Page for the latest eligibility requirements, application procedures and intake availability before preparing their submissions.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the opportunity extends beyond obtaining startup capital. Access to advice, financial knowledge and business connections could help turn an early idea into a venture with a clearer path forward.
Sources: 1 | 2 | 3
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