AEON Bank Empowers 100 Female Entrepreneurs Through ‘GrowthStart’ Program with MADCash
February 15, 2025AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank, has partnered with MADCash Sdn. Bhd. to support 100 female entrepreneurs from B40 communities in launching and growing their businesses. This initiative aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s iTEKAD program, which aims to uplift microentrepreneurs nationwide through social finance.
Named ‘GrowthStart’, the program is designed by AEON Bank and MADCash to provide business coaching, digital tools, and financial technology training to female entrepreneurs. Running from February 2025 to August 2026, the program will be conducted in three batches across Selangor, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor.
The first batch, starting in February 2025, will support 50 female microentrepreneurs from industries like F&B, education, health & beauty, agriculture, and social enterprises. Participants will receive hands-on training through a mix of physical workshops, online learning, coaching, and mentorship. The second and third batches will each engage 25 entrepreneurs in six-month intervals. Every participant will also receive RM2,000 Qard financing, aligned with AEON Bank’s Shariah-compliant financial principles.
“GrowthStart is our commitment to financial inclusion, equipping female entrepreneurs with essential business skills and digital knowledge,” said YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, CEO of AEON Bank. “Many of these women face challenges securing funding and need the right guidance to grow their businesses online. Our collaboration with MADCash directly addresses these needs, providing seed capital, mentorship, and practical training to help them succeed.”
MADCash CEO, Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin, added, “Our mission is to empower women with the business skills and financial literacy needed to improve their livelihoods. By strengthening their economic foundation, we’re enhancing their ability to access funding and achieve long-term financial stability. Partnering with AEON Bank allows us to make a meaningful impact.”
AEON Bank remains committed to fostering financial accessibility and empowering communities to achieve economic independence. Through initiatives like GrowthStart, the bank continues to drive financial inclusion while contributing to the growth of Islamic banking and Malaysia’s digital fintech economy.
