The Selangor SME Digitalisation Matching Grant worth RM5mil for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is expected to benefit some 1,000 businesses in the state.
Each SME is eligible for a 50% matching grant or maximum RM5,000 to subscribe with their chosen digital service provider.
“SMEs that lack resources to digitalise their businesses are encouraged to apply for this grant to strengthen their digital reach, ” said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari during the launch at the State Secretariat building in Shah Alam.
He said the digitalisation agenda was important for post-Covid-19 recovery as it would lead to the creation of new employment opportunities.
“Digitalisation will improve business competition as well as the company’s productivity to face challenging periods due to Covid-19.
“Instead of subsidising millions of ringgit for temporary relief, we should focus on building a sustainable ecosystem that would encourage start-ups and technology companies to grow, ” he said.
Amirudin added that it was important to cultivate high-impact entrepreneurs who would contribute to innovation, job creation and society.
Meanwhile, Selangor investment, industry and trade, small and medium industries committee chairman Datuk Teng Chang Khim said the Selangor E-Bazar Raya 2021 Campaign would provide opportunities for SMEs to further expand their businesses.
Teng said like the previous campaign, the state government was allocating RM2mil in the form of vouchers and aimed to achieve a gross merchandise value of RM700mil for the campaign, which runs until May 29.
“The Selangor E-Bazar Campaign has generated millions of ringgit through direct sales.
“This has proven how the digital economy agenda led by the state government has helped businesses to achieve more income online during the pandemic, ” he said.
Meanwhile, Special Evaluation Committee for the Selangor SME Digitalisation Matching Grant chairman Datuk Ng Wan Peng said digital transformation executed correctly could lead to businesses seeing high increase in sales.
“Digital transformation is not only necessary, but also beneficial for SMEs as long as businesses are committed to the process, ” she said.
Applications for the grant will close at noon on May 15, and 100 digital service providers have been approved.
Selangor SMEs can apply in five areas: E-Commerce, HR and Payroll System, Cloud Accounting, Digital Marketing, Electronic Point of Sale (E-PoS) and Payment Gateway.
SMEs eligible for the matching grant must fulfil several criteria including registered under the relevant laws of Malaysia, must be at least 51% owned by Malaysians, have a business or operation address in Selangor, in operation for at least a year and with an annual sales turnover of RM300,000 and not exceeding RM1mil.
For details, visit https://www.sidec.com.my/selangorgrant2021/.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2021/04/21/rm5mil-matching-grants-for-smes