Image credit: BizSmart
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd has announced the top 13 finalists for its 2024 BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition, selected from 593 applicants.
The businesses were chosen following a rigorous process of filtration involving four days of accelerator programme and business coaching, two days of business pitching, and a day of elevator pitching, the bank said in a statement today.
The 2024 Accelerator Edition marks a decade for the BizSmart Challenge, which has evolved from a platform for entrepreneurial growth to an accelerator for industry-defining talent.
“As a leader in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, Alliance Bank wanted to encourage the sector by pioneering the first BizSmart Challenge in 2013 to foster the progress and development of growing SMEs, identify rising stars, and give back to Malaysia’s emerging entrepreneurs,” it said.
Its group chief executive officer Kellee Kam said the finalists have reached the grand finale after months of honing their pitches, strengthening their business stories and financials, and receiving mentoring from top venture capitalists.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s finalists, whose entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are truly inspiring,” he said.
The finalists are Asia Farms Network, Aenon Solutions, BioLoop, Carching, Flybear, Fubizo, Gula Cakery, Mindhive, Sin Boon Kee, Ventamin, Volt Motorsports, Xin Seng Fatt, and Zoey Food Supply.
Alliance Bank said it is also producing a feature-length film that captures the stories and progress of the BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition.
The film, which documents the journey of the BizSmart® Challenge finalists, is scheduled to premiere on Nov 27 at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, with a private screening for guests, revealing the finalists’ journey and the winners of the BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition.
“Alliance Bank BizSmart Challenge is also in full gear, preparing the next milestone — announcing the winners in late November 2024,” it said.
Source: https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=2362873