In an inspiring move to support local businesses, the Rotary Club of Jakarta has launched the DDF Project 2023-2024. The focus is on empowering UMKM (Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah), which translates to micro, small, and medium enterprises. This initiative is not just about providing assistance; it aims to uplift the standards and competitiveness of these vital businesses in Indonesia.
The project kicked off with the “UMKM Empowerment” activity. This included two informative series designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills. The first series was held on October 19, 2024, at Rumah BUMN Jakarta Selatan, in collaboration with Rumah BUMN Jakarta. The second series is set for December 14, 2024, at Mitra Hadiprana.
A Glimpse into the Event: An Enthusiastic Turnout
The event saw over 50 eager UMKM participants from Jakarta, Depok, and Bandung. Attendees arrived enthusiastic and ready to learn, transforming the venue into a hub of energy that showcased Indonesia’s vibrant small business community.
From the onset, participants engaged actively by asking questions, taking notes, and immersing themselves in the insights offered by industry experts. For example, during one session, a participant shared how tips on managing cash flow helped her reduce expenses by 20%, which she didn’t realize was a significant saving until she learned how to break down her financial statements.
Objectives of the Project: Aiming for Economic Growth
The primary goal of the UMKM Empowerment initiative is to improve household incomes and promote entrepreneurship among low-income groups. By providing participants with valuable tools and strategies, the Rotary Club aims to elevate the quality of products, enhance business operations, and refine marketing tactics. This is expected to empower UMKM to compete with well-known brands.
Expert Speakers: Knowledge Transfer at Its Best
The success of the event hinged on the expertise shared by outstanding industry leaders. Each speaker provided unique perspectives and practical knowledge that resonated deeply with the audience. Here’s a look at the brilliant minds who shared their insights:
Dr. Melda Suryana - A finance specialist, she held a session on “Bisnis & Keuangan,” helping businesses navigate financial challenges. She emphasized strategies that can decrease unnecessary costs and maximize profit margins, leading to sustainable operations.
Tuhu Nugraha - A tech expert, he discussed “Teknologi & Manfaat AI untuk Bisnis.” He illustrated how businesses can increase efficiency by as much as 40% through the use of AI tools tailored to their specific needs.
Kimiko Hikari - A brand manager at Wardah, she covered “Pentingnya Branding.” She highlighted case studies of local brands that significantly boosted their market share after implementing effective branding strategies.
Muhammad Fikri - A social media expert, he presented on “Strategi Sosial Media untuk Promosi, Branding, & Sales.” He shared insights showing that businesses leveraging social media strategies saw a 50% increase in customer engagement.
Puri Hadi Prana - The owner of Mitra Hadiprana, she inspired participants with her talk on “Hobi menjadi Bisnis & Workshop merajut topi bayi.” She demonstrated how turning a personal passion into a business can lead to sustainable earnings.
Julius Wijaya - CEO of Linkz Indonesia, he educated attendees on “Memanfaatkan Berbagai Multiple Financial Tools untuk Membantu Pertumbuhan Bisnis.” His introduction of various financial tools equipped participants to leverage finances better for growth.
Each speaker didn’t just share information; their enthusiasm sparked conversations that continued long after the sessions ended.
Call for More Training: An Unfulfilled Demand
The resounding success of the event led to a remarkable demand for further training. Many participants expressed a strong desire for additional sessions to dive deeper into each topic. Their requests indicate a significant commitment to improving their business practices.
Recognizing this enthusiasm, the Rotary Club of Jakarta is committed to listening to this feedback. They aim to shape future initiatives that will further benefit UMKM across the area.
The Path Ahead
The DDF Project 2023-2024 by the Rotary Club of Jakarta is not just another initiative; it embodies hope for UMKM in Indonesia. By emphasizing empowerment and knowledge sharing, the project is paving the way for better business practices, enhanced competitiveness, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The unwavering enthusiasm from participants stands as a testament to the potential within the UMKM sector. With continued support and education, these micro, small, and medium enterprises can become a vital pillar of Indonesia's economy, promising a brighter future for everyone.
As we look forward to future sessions and sustained collaborations, there is renewed hope and excitement about the opportunities ahead. Together, we are ready to unlock the hidden potential of UMKM across the nation.
Written by Rtn. Meinar Liestriani (PR & Public Image), RC of Jakarta
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