Behavioral Intention on Islamic Crowdfunding Usage among Malaysian Bumiputera SMEs: Moderating effect of technology readiness

Abstract

Access to financing is crucial for Bumiputera SMEs’ growth, but lending from financial institutions is reduced due to default risk. Therefore, entrepreneurs often rely on short-term resources like personal savings, friends and family. Islamic crowdfunding offers wider financing alternatives to help Bumiputera SMEs grow their businesses. Hence examining the contructs that influence Bumiputera SMEs' intentions to use Islamic crowdfunding is vital. These factors are investigated using UTAUT theory, adding technology readiness as moderating factor. The proposed framework could provide insights for crowdfunding providers and policymakers to increase awareness of financing alternatives among SMEs in Malaysia.