Students of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have once again initiated a concrete action to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through the Community Service for MSMEs Vol. 2 program, they collaborated with the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Regional Office IV in assisting three MSMEs in Kediri: Ayam Laos Aja, Niky Coklat, and Tahu Lontong Mba Fita (Pojok Tumbuk). This activity took place from July to early August 2025 with a focus on directly increasing business capacity.

In this program, a team of FEB UNAIR students goes directly into the field to provide comprehensive guidance on key aspects such as branding, digital marketing, financial record-keeping, and social media management. This activity not only provides theory but also carries an educational mission aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty alleviation, improving education quality, economic growth, and partnerships.

One of the implementing students, Tazkia Fitri Nur Tartila, explained that many MSME actors still face obstacles in digital promotion.

"Most MSEs here aren't optimally utilizing digital marketing. Some don't even have a ShopeeFood account, and some aren't even registered on Google Maps," he said.
"We help them from the ground up, from creating an account and designing a business banner to teaching them how to create Instagram content."

The mentoring was tailored to the needs of each MSE. Ayam Laos Aja received assistance in strengthening its branding, Niky Coklat received financial record-keeping training, and Tahu Lontong Mba Fita focused on developing its visual identity and business promotion.

The mentoring process is conducted in a personalized and step-by-step manner, starting with a needs assessment and intensive discussions, then continuing with training and strategy implementation. One of the featured programs is digital marketing training, which includes creating a business account, identifying target markets, and developing a social media content calendar. The student team also introduced a simple Google Sheets-based financial record-keeping template that entrepreneurs can use independently.

Beyond focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs), the community service team also targeted the younger generation by holding a socialization event at SMAN 1 Kediri City. During the event, 12th-grade social studies students were introduced to study programs at FEB UNAIR and the role of the KPPU (Commission for the Supervision of the Indonesian National Commission on Economics and Business) in maintaining a healthy business climate. The students demonstrated high enthusiasm and interest in pursuing further studies in economics and business.

The impact of this program is already visible. All three MSEs now have verified Google Maps accounts, more attractive business banners, and active Instagram accounts. Niky Coklat has begun implementing a weekly financial recording system, while Ayam Laos Aja has seen an increase in customers after registering with ShopeeFood.

More than just a form of community service, this activity is a valuable learning experience for students. They not only apply theory but also learn to navigate field dynamics, conduct negotiations, and practice management and marketing skills directly. This experience is crucial for developing leadership, social empathy, and sensitivity to issues of the people's economy.

"This activity serves as a reminder that change can start with small steps. We learned a lot about society, about economic realities, and about how our knowledge can be of real benefit," Tazkia concluded.

With a collaborative spirit between students, MSEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), schools, and the KPPU (Commission for the Development of Indonesian Citizens), this program is expected to become an example of community service that can be replicated in various regions. This is a concrete manifestation of the university's commitment to implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education: education, research, and community service.