Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has provided training and mentoring to 16,785 small business owners since 2021, according to Yulius, the ministry's Deputy for Micro-Enterprises.

He explained that these programs were part of the government's efforts to enhance business owners' skills in management, marketing, production, and finance. The initiative also aimed to offer intensive mentoring to micro-entrepreneurs, helping them connect with business partners and stakeholders.

The ministry organized a six-month intensive mentoring program for 920 selected micro-entrepreneurs. This program was delivered both online and in person, with the involvement of several universities and the Umar Usman Educational Foundation.

Yulius noted that the mentoring program had a significant impact on the growth of micro-enterprises. After completing the program, the businesses experienced an average increase in turnover by 36 percent, while the number of employees rose by 23 percent.

A key focus of the program was expanding business networks through the "Bridging Business Cooperation" initiative, designed to connect entrepreneurs with key players in the business ecosystem.

Through this initiative, micro-entrepreneurs gained access to broader markets, financial support, and enhanced business competitiveness.

In 2023, 133 micro-entrepreneurs were connected with 144 business partners and stakeholders, including the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI). Additionally, 37 micro-entrepreneurs secured financing from institutions such as state-owned bank BRI, Pegadaian, and private banks like CIMB Niaga and DBS.

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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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