Developing micro-entrepreneurs through business incubation centre

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.