Through The Greater Hub, SBM ITB held the 12th Batch of the West Java MSME Coaching.

More than one hundred micro, small and medium enterprises have been selected to participate in the West Java MSME Coaching Clinic. These businesses were chosen from 726 applicants for the 12th Batch of the West Java MSME Coaching Clinic, organized by The Greater Hub SBM ITB.

Clinic in collaboration with the Deputy for Micro Business of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (KemenKopUKM) and Akseleraksi.id. The theme for this batch was “Innovation Strategy and MSME Business Development to Become World-Class.”

“SBM ITB is committed to building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indonesia. Through this coaching clinic, we aim to promote the advancement of MSMEs, as they are the largest contributors to Indonesia’s GDP,” said Prof. Ignatius Pulung Nurprasetio, Dean of SBM ITB, at the opening ceremony held at the Nemangkawi Auditorium, Labtek XIX Building, SBM ITB, Bandung, on Wednesday (2/10).

Pulung emphasized the critical role of MSMEs as pillars of the Indonesian economy. Since its inception, the West Java MSME Coaching Clinic Program has provided a platform for hundreds of MSMEs to receive direct mentoring and training from experts.

The enthusiasm for the 12th batch was remarkable, with nearly 1,000 MSMEs registering for the program. According to Dr. Dina Dellyana, Chair of The Greater Hub at SBM ITB, 104 MSMEs were selected to participate in this batch.

“We are committed to expanding this program to reach even more MSMEs in the future. This program also serves as an initial step for MSMEs to participate in initiatives offered by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs,” Dina explained.

Participants will receive guidance from nearly 30 professional coaches, comprising SBM ITB academics and experienced entrepreneurs. The goal is to enhance the business capacity of MSMEs through intensive coaching sessions.

Dr. Yulius M.A., Deputy for Micro Business at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, highlighted the importance of innovation for MSMEs facing global competition. He expressed hope that the Coaching Clinic would act as a catalyst for MSMEs to boost their competitiveness.

“We also encourage them to innovate and adapt to technological advancements, enabling them to penetrate international markets,” he added.

TB Ari Wibawa Mukti, Innovation Professional & Entrepreneur, stressed that innovation is essential for the sustainability of MSMEs. The innovation process includes the intent to innovate, opportunity analysis, and the development of business concepts.

“Without innovation, businesses tend to stagnate and fall behind in the competition,” Ari stated.

As a speaker at the coaching clinic’s opening, Ari also covered competitive analysis, market trends, comprehensive business strategies, and leveraging technology and digital transformation. He urged participants to understand the steps needed to enter international markets, including market research, export strategies, and addressing legal and cultural considerations in the global market.

The 2024 West Java MSME Coaching Clinic is expected to empower MSMEs in Indonesia to advance to the next level, tackle global challenges, and strengthen their foothold in the international market.

Written by Student Reporter (Fairuuz Fawwaz, Entrepreneurship 2024)