Creative Sprint 2026 strengthens the business behind social impact

Creative Sprint 2026 strengthens the business behind social impact

Twenty-one social enterprises from Central and Northern Malaysia have completed Creative Sprint 2026, bringing together founders working to turn purpose into sustainable businesses across the programme’s three themes of Income Pathways, Heritage Conservation and Circular Solutions.

Now in its third year, Satu Creative’s flagship venture development programme challenged founders to look beyond purpose and examine what it takes to build businesses that last, from understanding their customers and strengthening revenue models to measuring impact, building partnerships and identifying the right capital for growth.

Across the Kuala Lumpur and Penang editions, participants put these fundamentals into practice through intensive bootcamps combining practical learning with direct access to entrepreneurs, investors, industry practitioners and ecosystem leaders.

“Across both cohorts, we saw founders with a strong sense of purpose and a willingness to challenge their assumptions. Creative Sprint gives them the space to test ideas, learn from those who have been there, build the right connections and get clearer on what comes next. What matters now is how they turn those insights into action and impact,” said Ahmad Azuar Zainuddin, CEO of Satu Creative.

The programme connected participating founders with ecosystem leaders, experienced entrepreneurs and investors, including Tuan Haji Hazani Hassan of Malaysian Technology Development Corporation, Sam Shafie of pitchIN, Lilyana Latiff of BETA Foundation, Joe Sidek of Penang Arts Council, Aaron Sarma of ScaleUp Malaysia, Johnathan Lee of Cradle Fund, Andy Othman of Plug and Play Malaysia, Khooi Chu Boon of Digital Penang, Howie Chang of Forward College, Jian Tong Chia of White Room and Wan Dazriq Wan Zulkiflee of SEEd.Lab. Bank Simpanan Nasional also led a dedicated session for participating founders.

The bootcamps culminated in Pitch Days in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where participants presented their ventures to mentors, investors and ecosystem leaders. With support from Yayasan Hasanah, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Digital Penang, Malaysian Business Angels Network and Artem Ventures, Creative Sprint connected founders with feedback, networks and potential pathways to funding, partnerships and market opportunities.

“Social enterprises have an important role to play in addressing the needs of communities, but creating lasting impact also requires strong and sustainable businesses. Through the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund and our collaboration with Satu Creative, we are supporting founders with access to funding, knowledge and networks that can help them strengthen their ventures and grow their impact. We are encouraged by what we have seen from this year’s participants and look forward to seeing how their journeys continue,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, managing director and trustee, Yayasan Hasanah.

For the participating social enterprises, Creative Sprint is only one part of the journey. Eligible ventures will have the opportunity to receive grants of up to US$25,000 (RM100,000) to support their next stage of growth, alongside the connections and opportunities developed through the programme.

The focus now turns to putting those insights into action and building stronger businesses that can sustain their purpose, expand their reach and deepen their impact.