Stage 2: Non-dilutive support
Grants & matching grants
Grants from agencies such as Cradle, MDEC, MATRADE, SME Corp, MIDA and MTDC do not have to be repaid, but they are competitive, tied to eligibility rules and often reimburse spending after you have paid.
Best suited for
Technology, export, automation, digitalisation and R&D projects with a clear plan.
Pros
- No repayment and usually no equity given up
- Signals credibility to other funders
- Often comes with mentoring or networks
Cons
- Competitive and slow, with detailed applications
- Many are matching or reimbursement-based, so you front the cash
- Restricted to specific sectors, activities or company profiles
Watch out for
Check eligibility, claim rules and reporting obligations before you spend money you expect to be reimbursed.
Where to look: Government agencies & support bodies
Real-world examples
- Ebizu and Cradle
Digital marketing firm Ebizu was reported to have won a Cradle grant of RM500,000 in 2015.
Reported by: The Star, 2015 (opens in new tab)
- SalesCandy
SalesCandy announced it received a RM300,000 grant from Cradle.
Reported by: SalesCandy blog (opens in new tab)
- Cradle portfolio outcomes
Cradle reported that startups in its CIP Catalyst programme attracted RM41 million of external commercialisation funding between 2008 and 2016.
Reported by: e27, 2018 (opens in new tab)
Examples are drawn from public reports and are not endorsements. Results vary and are not typical.
Related options
Independent information site. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for any financing provider, regulator or agency named here. Information only, not financial advice. To remove or correct your name, write to us.