Capacity Building Grant Opportunity for Social Enterprises and MSMEs

The programme focuses on building community-based social enterprise networks, training and mentoring local communities to develop essential skills, transferring knowledge to support sustainable income-generating activities, scaling community income generation, and fostering inclusive development through social entrepreneurship aligned with sustainable tourism. They are awarding 10 Social Enterprises (SEs) or impact-driven MSMEs and Cooperatives with a Capacity Building Grant of USD 6,750 (approximately MYR 26,400) each to support the implementation of these initiatives.

Project objectives include building a national network of community-based social enterprise initiatives, training 10 or more SE-nominated trainers to lead outreach and community-based training for 50 community members each, strengthening SE capacity to scale inclusive business models and community impact, enabling partnerships with local communities to co-develop sustainable income strategies, and prioritising outreach to B40 communities, women, youth, people with disabilities, and Orang Asli communities.

Eligible applicants are social enterprises and impact-driven MSMEs registered in Malaysia with valid registration under SSM, ROS, or any legally recognised entity, mission-driven with clear social or environmental objectives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, community-focused with experience or capacity to engage underserved groups, capable of nominating at least 10 trainers for the Training of Trainers, and able to deliver tangible social or economic outcomes within the 3-6 month grant period.

The project provides a platform to empower local communities, strengthen livelihoods, and promote inclusive development, enabling social enterprises to scale their impact while contributing to Johor’s broader sustainability and socio-economic goals.

For more information, visit UNDP.