Developing micro-entrepreneurs through business incubation centre

Md Saad, Norma and Abu Saiid, Bushra and Mansor, Mohd Fitri and Che Embi, Nor Azizan and Jaiyeoba, Haruna Babatunde (2025) Developing micro-entrepreneurs through business incubation centre. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15 (10). pp. 107-124. E-ISSN 2222-6990

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Abstract

This study explores the foundational elements that are required to establish a dedicated Asnaf Business Development Centre in Perlis, Malaysia, that is aimed at empowering socioeconomically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The research draws on structured survey responses from 63 asnaf entrepreneurs and in-depth interviews with four key entrepreneurship development institutions. The findings reveal that the Asnaf entrepreneurs demonstrate strong motivation, soft skills, and operational stability. However, many of them face persistent challenges, including limited access to financing, digital illiteracy, and gaps in technical, financial, and strategic competencies that are essential for business growth and sustainability. The study, therefore, highlights the need for a comprehensive, skill-based support centre that encompasses financial literacy, digital marketing, business planning, and mentorship. In addition, the entrepreneurs expressed a desire for a supportive environment that includes networking opportunities, spiritual enrichment, and accessible facilities. Institutional recommendations further emphasise the importance of a strategic location for a business centre, participant selection, ongoing monitoring, and multi-agency collaborations. The study concludes that a successful Asnaf business centre must go beyond the provision of physical infrastructure and funding, and be able to serve as a dynamic, integrated hub for capacity-building, strategic guidance, personal development, peer networking, and long-term entrepreneurial resilience. These contributions add to the growing body of knowledge on asnaf entrepreneurship and provide practical guidance for designing support centres for asnaf communities in Malaysia.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Business Development Centre, Micro-entreprises, Micro-entrepreneurs, Business skills
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HG Finance > HG4001 Financial management. Business finance. Corporation finance.
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Economics
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr Norma Md Saad
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2025 16:14
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2025 16:14
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123855

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