FAQs - Catalyst

ILTIZAM Catalyst is a programme under the ILTIZAM Entrepreneurship Programme that provides hands-on and direct assistance via qualified technical consultants to bridge the gaps in businesses and strengthen their capacity for sustainable growth.

ILTIZAM Catalyst is open to all Bumiputera businesses with revenue between RM300,000 - RM1 million with a minimum of two (2) years track record registered in Malaysia and has met the eligibility criteria.

Some common business challenges that ILTIZAM Catalyst can help with include:

FINANCIAL AND COMPLIANCE

Limitation in preparing and understanding financial statements
Lack of short- and long-term business planning
Challenge to analyse financial statements and monitor key financial metrics

BRANDING AND DIGITAL MARKETING

Unclear and inconsistent brand guidelines
Ineffective marketing strategy
Limited knowledge of customer preferences

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

Limited adoption of digital tools to support business operations
Lack of an effective website or opportunities to enhance an existing website

LEADERSHIP

Lack of a personal vision and direction toward business
Lack of growth mindset
Afraid to embrace innovation
Difficulty in delegating tasks

You can be sure of technical and hands-on assistance in core business areas, which will strengthen your foundation for growth and advancement.

Cash assistance is not provided.

Following are the specified assistance for each category:

Pillar 1: Finance and Compliance

Preparation of financial statements (if required)
Analysis of financial statements, including tax preparation & planning
Develop business & strategic plan
Advisory on Risk & Compliance (Business regulations, tax compliance, licensing, incorporation & funding)

Pillar 2: Branding and Digital Marketing

Marketing & brand audit
Establish and review marketing strategy & plan (segmentation, positioning, targeting)
Establish brand guideline & strategy
Prepare digital marketing design template
Prepare content calendar template
Develop or review digital marketing strategy
Execution of media buy

Pillar 3: Technology Adoption

Website development and platform setup (if required)

Pillar 4: Leadership

Growth Mindset & Strategic Thinking: Strategy and business transformation support using design thinking and agile methodology
Peer Advisory: Networking platform for peer advisory
Effective Leadership: Engagements with industry leaders and successful business owners

The eligibility criteria for ILTIZAM Catalyst are as follows:

The business is registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
The business has at least 51% Bumiputera shareholding
Financially sustainable with annual revenue between RM300,000 and RM1 million with a minimum of two (2) financial years
Business is profitable in the last two (2) financial years
Showcase credentials and needs for the programme
Fully committed to participating in the ILTIZAM Catalyst programme

You may check further information about the Eligibility Criteria by clicking here

No supporting documents are required for the initial application. If you progress further in the application process, you may be required to submit the following documents:

Certificate of Registration
Owner’s Identification Card
Financial Statements
Details of Shareholders
Payslip Records

You may apply by clicking here
Complete the online application form with the required information
Submit your application before the deadline

The application deadline is 15 December 2026.

The application period is open from 1 November 2026 to 15 December 2026.

You will enter Ekuinas’ entrepreneurship growth pathways

Network & Mentorship

You will get to connect with aspiring ILTIZAM Entrepreneurship alumni and EKUINAS portfolio companies

Unlock Financing

We will assess your financial position and prepare your company to unlock financing opportunities

Many businesses have participated in the ILTIZAM Catalyst Programme, including Wau Tradisi, POYA, MummyRQ, Kiddie Care Therapy Centre, Pagi Pagi Place, Jazro Robotic Academy, Windrunner Asia and many more.

Be inspired by reading ILTIZAM Catalyst success stories here

No, it is completely free! There are no fees for applying or participating in the programme; it is fully sponsored by Ekuinas.

Of course! We welcome applicants from all states in Malaysia.

Absolutely! The programme’s schedule is designed to support entrepreneurs who are actively running their business.

While certain activities require in-person attendance, some discussions and meetings with our technical experts may be held online when necessary. The full schedule will be provided in advance to help you plan your time and commitment accordingly.

The programme will run for 6 months.