microLEAP, CASB, HDC Launch Initiative To Boost SME Access To Govt Contract Financing

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Microleap PLT (microLEAP), Commerce Access Sdn Bhd (CASB) and Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) have launched a nationwide initiative aimed at improving small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) access to financing for government contracts through funding, training and business support.

In a statement, microLEAP said the initiative seeks to strengthen financing readiness and raise awareness of financing solutions available under the SARANA Programme, which supports eligible SMEs and contractors undertaking government-related projects through Securities Commission Malaysia (SC)-regulated peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platforms.

“Government contracts offer significant growth opportunities for SMEs. However, many businesses face working capital challenges when mobilising projects, purchasing materials, managing operational expenses and fulfilling contractual obligations before payments are received from government agencies.

“To address these challenges, the collaboration combines financing solutions, capacity-building programmes and ecosystem support to help businesses secure and successfully execute government contracts,” it said. 

microLEAP is a SC-registered recognised market operator that operates a shariah-compliant P2P financing platform connecting investors with MSMEs seeking financing solutions and has facilitated more than RM600 million in financing to Malaysian businesses since its inception.

microLEAP said the collaboration will feature four regional workshops across the Klang Valley, Johor, Penang and Sarawak, beginning with the inaugural programme at the HDC headquarters on July 28, 2026.

“The workshops will provide practical guidance on government procurement processes, financing readiness, project execution and financing solutions available to eligible businesses,” it said. 

microLEAP founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Tunku Danny Nasaifuddin Mudzaffar said the collaboration reflects the partners' shared commitment to strengthening SME participation in government-led economic activities.

“Many SMEs have the capability to undertake government projects but face challenges accessing working capital at critical stages of project execution. Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge that gap by combining financing solutions, practical guidance and ecosystem support to help more businesses participate and grow.

“By bringing together financing, knowledge sharing and industry engagement, we hope to empower more Malaysian businesses to secure opportunities, execute projects successfully and contribute to the nation’s economic development,” he said.

CASB CEO Afidah Kamaruddin said the initiative would help strengthen SME readiness for government contracting opportunities.

“CASB  is a Malaysian-based business process outsourcing and customer experience provider, specialising in contact centre operations, CX governance, and digital service delivery to help government and enterprise clients improve customer engagement and operational efficiency,” she said.

microLEAP said the four workshops are expected to engage hundreds of SMEs nationwide, raise awareness of financing solutions available under the SARANA Programme, and encourage greater participation in government contracts.

-- BERNAMA