Students of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have once again demonstrated a real contribution through the Community Service Program for Micro and Small Enterprises Vol. 2, namely by providing assistance in digitalization and promotional strategies for MSMEs, as well as education on healthy business competition. This program is the result of a strategic collaboration with the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Regional Office IV. This activity was carried out in the Ngagel and Pucang areas, East Surabaya, as well as four high schools in Surabaya. This community service activity was carried out from July 7 to August 8, 2025.
The fieldwork was carried out by the FEB UNAIR student team: Keishar Pasya (S1 Economics – 2023) as team leader, as well as Rifqi Nafi Andika (S1 Economics – 2023), Randy Febryan Putra (S1 Economics – 2023), and Fikri Araffi Prasetyo (S1 Economics – 2023), in collaboration with KPPU Regional Office IV. In the initial stage, the team conducted a preliminary survey to obtain data on which MSMEs were willing to receive assistance, and 12 MSMEs were found located in East Surabaya, namely Warkop Ijoe, Bakso Daging RMI/Warkop, Mie Ayam & Bakso “Tunggal Roso”, Bethania 2, Mie Ayam Pasar Pucang, Warung Bu Tien, Cak Dul, Bu Sum, Es Jumbo Fullgar, Aneka Jus, Permak Jeans & Tailor Pak Pi'i, and Makan Global, and four high schools in Surabaya: SMAN 8 Surabaya, SMAS Atma Widya, SMAS YPPI II, and SMAS Al Lil Wathon.
This program was held because most MSMEs in this region do not have digital visibility, are not registered on Google Maps, rarely use social media, and do not understand the importance of consistent promotion.
The initial stage is carried out by conducting a needs survey, direct discussions with business owners to understand their constraints, and then providing technical assistance and relevant promotional materials.
This mentoring has resulted in real changes in each MSME. Warkop Ijoe, which initially didn't know how to make its business visible online, is now listed on Google Maps so new customers can find it easily. Bakso Daging RMI/Warkop, which initially had never tried video promotions, is now adept at creating TikTok content showcasing its signature menu. Mie Ayam & Bakso "Tunggal Roso," which previously relied solely on local customers, now has a location on Google Maps to reach new buyers. Bethania 2, which was previously inactive on social media, now regularly posts promotional videos on TikTok. Mie Ayam Pasar Pucang, which initially didn't know the potential of social media, now has short videos that attract customers. Warung Bu Tien, which had never been registered on Google Maps, now appears in online searches. Cak Dul, which initially didn't have a menu list, now has a neat menu book to make it easier for customers. Bu Sum, who only displayed the menu verbally, now has an attractive menu poster in her shop. Jumbo Fullgar Ice, Various Juices, and Permak Jeans & Tailor Pak Pi'i, which previously didn't even exist on Google Maps, can now be found online. Permak Jeans & Tailor Pak Pi'i even has a poster for its professional tailoring services. Meanwhile, Makan Global, which hadn't yet figured out how to access delivery platforms, now has promotional materials in the form of posters, a digital menu list, and active accounts on Shopee Food and Gojek Merchant.
In addition to fostering MSMEs, the team also conducted outreach programs at four high schools. The 12th-grade students were introduced to business ethics, entrepreneurial opportunities, and information about the FEB UNAIR campus. Many students who initially didn't understand the concept of fair business competition learned the importance of maintaining product integrity and quality.
This collaborative program has had a significant impact: MSMEs are better prepared to compete in the digital era, have professional promotional materials, and actively market their products on social media. Business actors' understanding of healthy business competition has also increased. The synergy between FEB UNAIR, KPPU, MSMEs, and schools has become stronger, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Partnerships to Achieve the Goals (SDG 17).
