NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS IS GETTING BETTER! MSMEs LEVEL UP TOGETHER WITH LOCAL EMPOWERED MSMEs

LOCAL BUSINESS IS GETTING BETTER! MSMEs LEVEL UP TOGETHER WITH LOCAL EMPOWERED MSMEs

Surabaya, July–August 2025 – Students of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) in collaboration with the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Regional Office IV successfully completed the UMK Care Program Vol. 2, which was carried out for approximately one month, starting from early July to early August in Gubeng and Genteng Districts, Surabaya. This program assisted 13 MSMEs through strengthening digital literacy and financial literacy, with the aim of increasing business capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.

The UMK Care Program Vol. 2 was initiated by Afina Aurelia Wardhana (Accounting 2023), Chelsea Aurelie Zazkia Abdullah (Accounting 2023), Serafim Rosaline Marshauli Pasaribu (Accounting 2023), and Carissa Cahyani Putri (Accounting 2023). These four students are from the Accounting Study Program, FEB UNAIR and are under the guidance of Mr. Fajar Kristanto Gautama Putra, SA, MA, a lecturer at FEB UNAIR. Through the UMK Care Program Vol. 2, they want to present real solutions to the challenges of MSMEs, especially related to financial recording and the use of digital technology.

The 13 partner MSMEs participating in the MSME Care Program Vol. 2 are:

  1. Flocas Bouquet
  2. Diamond Cake
  3. Dragon Stove
  4. Mamamia Florist
  5. Zunaira Gallery
  6. Sumotako
  7. Fitri Accessories and Toys
  8. Labibi Chicken Sempol Dip
  9. Radenrororenti Toast
  10. Princess Kebab
  11. Anjani Chicken Satay
  12. Alfira's Various Juices
  13. Tee Mee Thai Tea

Two of them are located in the Gubeng area: Aneka Juice Alfira and Tee Mee Thai Tea. Eleven others are located in the Genteng area.

Through the collaboration between FEB UNAIR and KPPU Regional Office IV, the UMK Care Program Vol. 2 has successfully delivered tangible impacts to the partners involved. Many business owners who were initially confused about managing their finances are now able to compile simple reports more systematically. For example, Roti Bakar Radenrororenti, which previously often mixed personal funds with business capital, can now differentiate the two through manual recording and using a spreadsheet application. This makes it easier for the owner to determine their net profit each month.

Transformations are not limited to financial aspects; marketing is also evident. Flocas Bouquet and Sumotako, which previously relied solely on walk-in customers, now market their products through GrabFood, GoFood, and Shopee. Several partners have also begun actively using social media to expand their promotions and are now registered on Google Maps, making it easier for new customers to find them outside their local area. With these steps, businesses that previously relied solely on repeat customers are now able to reach a wider consumer base.

In terms of professionalism, changes have also occurred at Diamond Cake, which initially lacked a clear price list. After mentoring, the business now provides a neat menu, creating a more convincing presentation for customers. Price transparency not only enhances a professional image but also increases customer confidence in transactions.

These changes demonstrate that the MSME Care Program, Vol. 2, not only improves one aspect but also delivers comprehensive improvements. Partners, initially limited and reliant on conventional methods, have now become more organized, familiar with digital technology, and bold in taking steps to expand their markets. Ultimately, this program has succeeded in boosting business owners' confidence in managing their businesses and opening up opportunities for future growth.