Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officiated the launch of SParK 2026: Business Transformation, the flagship platform of Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB). The agency has announced a financing approval target of up to RM2.25 billion to strengthen the development of bumiputera entrepreneurs for 2026-2030. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the target, under the R30 Strategic Framework, is to accelerate the growth of bumiputera companies, enhance their commercial scalability, create quality employment opportunities, and strengthen the country's key supply chains. Anwar stated that the national agency, established to develop bumiputera entrepreneurs, has performed well thus far. He mentioned the possibility of increasing the allocation from the Finance Ministry if PUNB continues to perform well. PUNB is implementing the government's agenda by focusing on outlined priorities and working closely with relevant agencies. At the same event, PUNB announced a reduction in the financing rate for PROSPER GROW to as low as 3.5 per cent per annum and introduced three programmes - PROSPER GROW BIZ EXPRESS, PROSPER GROW FUEL UP, and PROSPER GROW AUTO BIZ - to improve financing access and strengthen entrepreneurs' working capital. The financing target will be achieved through PUNB's existing financing facilities, including PROSPER GROW, PROSPER GREAT, and PROSPER IMPACT/NOVA, alongside enhancements to programmes tailored to meet entrepreneurs' needs. Held ahead of PUNB's 35th anniversary, SParK 2026 gathers PUNB Entrepreneur Partners, bumiputera entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, industry players, digital ecosystem participants, development agencies, and strategic partners through conferences, knowledge-sharing sessions, business exhibitions, and sales activities. The two-day programme provides a platform for entrepreneurs to gain industry insights, build strategic networks, showcase their products, and explore new opportunities in an increasingly competitive business ecosystem. PUNB chairman Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa stated that SParK was established to unite entrepreneurs with knowledge, markets, networks, and growth opportunities. Rastam emphasized that SParK is a transformation platform reflecting PUNB's commitment to developing bumiputera entrepreneurs to be more structured and competitive. PUNB aims to ensure that more bumiputera companies are capable of expanding their businesses, strengthening corporate governance, and growing sustainably in line with the nation's development agenda. PUNB has supported over 15,500 Entrepreneur Partners through various financing and business support programmes since its establishment in 1991, with total approved financing reaching RM5.15 billion across a range of bumiputera business sectors. Rastam noted that PUNB's role has evolved, with its financing and support expanding to include high-impact sectors and high-value economic activities. At the same event, PUNB exchanged memoranda of understanding with the Statistics Department Malaysia (DOSM) and the Malays ian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to strengthen entrepreneur development through data, technology, and innovation. This collaboration is expected to enhance PUNB's ability to plan and evaluate entrepreneur development programmes more effectively, while opening up greater opportunities for entrepreneurs in technology, innovation, and commercialisation. The event also featured the presentation of the SParK 2026 Entrepreneur Awards to five PUNB Entrepreneur Partners in recognition of their achievements, resilience, and business discipline in building sustainable businesses, creating employment opportunities, expanding market reach, and demonstrating strong business leadership.