Encouraging Entrepreneurs Ahead Of The Anniversary-25, Bank Mandiri Holds Entrepreneur Expo

JAKARTA - Indonesia's economic growth rate continues to improve, despite the various uncertainties caused by global economic factors. Evidently, the country's economic growth in the second quarter of 2023 has reached 5.17 percent, which is a positive marker of the trend of improvement going forward. The solid economic trend is inseparable from the growing number of business actors in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) segment. Reflecting on this, Bank Mandiri as an agent of the development captures the momentum of economic growth by increasing entrepreneurial intentions, especially in urban communities and the younger generation. As part of welcoming the 25th Anniversary (HUT) on October 2, 2023, Bank Mandiri held the Mandiri Entrepreneur Expo as a platform for driving the people's economy and was sustainable to have a positive impact on the community. Bank Mandiri President Director Darmawan Junaidi explained that this activity is also a form of commitment to responsibility the company's answer in making a jumbo contribution to society and the environment. "Mandiri Entrepreneur Expo does not only involve MSME actors at a mature age, but also includes elementary school students where through this activity they have the spirit to develop creativity and entrepreneurship from an early age," Darmawan said in Jakarta, Monday, August 28. This event continued Darmawan, a series of competition results for MSMEs fostered by BUMN (RB) Houses. ), Young Independent Entrepreneurs (WMM) Junior wrapped in the uRBan Festival initiative a few weeks ago. The uRBan Festival program itself is an MSME competition that includes various categories ranging from Craft, Fashion, and Food & Beverage. Apart from being a competition, the uRBan Festival is also a supporting platform for RB Mandiri and MSME facilitators from all over Indonesia. The participants were introduced to the principles of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as preparation for the future. more sustainable. Of the dozens of MSMEs that are participants in the uRBan Festival this year, there are three MSMEs that are superior. Among others, Mie Sehat Cempaka from RB Ambon, Recycling Village assisted by RB South Jakarta and Ulur Wiji UMKM assisted by RB from Surabaya. This series of activities complements the MSME development strategy that has been provided by Bank Mandiri. In addition to assistance, this training is also useful for providing capacity strengthening and financing to the MSME segment. Just as information, Until the end of June 2023, Bank Mandiri had disbursed loans to the MSME segment amounting to IDR 119.7 trillion or grew 8.1 percent year on year (YoY). This achievement was also followed by a ratio of non-performing loans (NPL) in the MSME segment which was maintained at the level of 1.5 percent. Independent Entrepreneur Expo, which was held on August 29, 2023 at the Assembly 9th Floor of the Mandiri Tower, Jakarta, presents 28 booths from various local MSMEs such as ARTUready by Indah Veny, DCraft Indonesia, Mochibo, the finalists of the URBan Festival and the creations of elementary school students. Independent Entrepreneur Expo is a form of Bank Mandiri's support and appreciation for the development of the Ril sector by creating a market or bringing business actors closer to potential consumers," continued Darmawan.

In the initiative that was held for almost a month, Bank Mandiri also initiated the 2023 Junior Young Entrepreneurship (WMM) program. Involving more than 260 elementary schools with a total of 60,000 students from various circles, WMM Junior is expected to be able to strengthen entrepreneurial enthusiasm and sharpen creativity from an early age. The purpose of this program includes increasing entrepreneurship interest from an early age, giving awards to students, teachers, and partner schools that implement learning innovations, as well as disseminating practices in both learning-based independent curriculum projects. This program also provides a forum for students to share their creativity and research results.WMM Junior's event this time, the 1st Champion award for the category of Urban SDN falls to SDN Tangerang 3, and the 1st title of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah category achieved by Madrasah Ibtidaiyah AL IMAN, Magelang City. While the category of SDN Rural & 3T won by SDN 2 CITATAH, West Bandung Regency which is also the Champion of Best of the Best WMM Junior 2023. "We are also proud to be part of the development process of young generations who display high enthusiasm and creativity. We hope that, in the future interest in entrepreneurship in the younger generation can continue to grow and make a positive contribution to the progress of the nation," concluded Darmawan.