(FEB UNAIR STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE – NEWS) Monday, February 10, 2025, Students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR), namely group 5 consisting of Hendri Fuat Alfian, Ellena Sasmita Prananta, and Delia Eca Fitria, again demonstrated their commitment to supporting local economic empowerment through the Ponorogo UMK Care Community Service Program.

The program, which took place on January 3-26, 2025, was a collaboration between FEB UNAIR and the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Regional Office IV, which aimed to increase the competitiveness of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Ponorogo to be more professional and develop in a competitive market.

Challenges of Ponorogo MSMEs and the Urgency of Mentoring

Based on field observations conducted on January 5, 2020, students identified various challenges Ponorogo MSMEs still face in developing their businesses. Some of the main obstacles include:

• Unclear Business Legality – Many MSEs do not yet have a Business Identification Number (NIB), which results in limited access to capital and a wider market.
  • Unattractive Branding and Packaging – Quality products are often less in demand by the market due to simple packaging designs.
  • Minimal Utilization of Digital Marketing and Marketing Partners – Most MSEs still rely on conventional marketing on a small scale and have not optimally utilized digital platforms such as social media and marketplaces.
  • Unstable Raw Material Supply – Some business actors experience obstacles in obtaining quality raw materials at stable prices, which impacts the continuity of their production.

Also read:
FEB UNAIR Students Together with KPPU Regional Office IV Empower Ponorogo MSMEs

Concrete Assistance for MSMEs

In an effort to provide real solutions for MSEs in Ponorogo, FEB UNAIR students carry out various mentoring programs, including:
• Assisting in establishing business legality, including NIB registration and socializing the importance of business permits.
• Redesigning logos and packaging stickers to increase product appeal in the market.
• Providing digital marketing training, especially optimizing the use of WhatsApp Business to increase sales.
• Establishing partnerships with raw material suppliers and marketing networks so that MSEs can access quality raw materials and expand their market reach.

Real Impact on MSMEs

One MSE that has benefited from this program is Rumah Harapan Mulya, which produces ciprat batik and patchwork doormats made by people with intellectual disabilities. Prior to receiving assistance, the business operated solely on orders without a permanent marketing partner. Through this program, students successfully connected Rumah Harapan Mulya with Rumah Batik Soemowarso, which now provides a dedicated gallery space for Batik Ciprat Karangpatihan. Furthermore, the students also helped find a more stable supplier of patchwork raw materials to support their sustainable production.

Other MSEs, such as Keripik Tempe Arum, Azka Thoreng, and Ceriping Pisang Mekar Sari, have also benefited from this mentoring. The digital marketing training they received has enhanced their understanding of how to optimize WhatsApp Business as a marketing tool. Meanwhile, Azka Thoreng has successfully secured a partner to supply cassava flour, allowing them to significantly increase their production capacity.

To expand the market for MSEs, UNAIR FEB students also initiated a marketing partner search program. This resulted in four new partners being recruited to market MSE products: Surya Mart Slahung, Surya Mart Nailan, Surya Mart Banggel, and Bintang Swalayan Banggel.

Also read:
FEB UNAIR Students Collaborate with KPPU to Increase Ponorogo's Minimum Wage (UMK)

Program Sustainability

This mentoring doesn't stop at the program phase. UNAIR FEB students ensure that the implemented initiatives continue to operate with sustainability principles. These efforts are expected to help Ponorogo's MSEs continue to explore their potential and contribute more to the local economy, as well as create a healthy and sustainable business environment.

Through this program, FEB UNAIR students not only gain real-world experience in economic empowerment but also play an active role in creating a broader social impact. Going forward, collaboration with various parties is expected to continue to be strengthened so that more MSEs can benefit from similar programs.