Bank Mandiri Holds The Peak Of Independent Young Entrepreneurs (WMM) 2024: An Inspirational Travel For Young Entrepreneurs Towards Top 4 And Best Of The Best
Bank Mandiri has again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the development of entrepreneurial interest and encouraging the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia through the 2024 Young Mandiri Entrepreneurs (WMM). Since it was held in the fourth quarter of 2024, the competition and the largest entrepreneurship briefing event in Indonesia has again scored new campaigns from various business fields.
President Director of Bank Mandiri, Darmawan Junaidi, expressed his pride in organizing this competition. According to him, WMM is one of Bank Mandiri's flagship programs in growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indonesia.
"Through this program, we continue to be committed to supporting the development of creative business and innovation by the younger generation," Darmawan said in his remarks in Jakarta, Friday, January 17.
The WMM 2024 competition lasts for six full days, from January 12 to 17, 2025, in Jakarta. All 2024 WMM finalists selected from all over Indonesia participated in various series of activities, ranging from Welcomed Dinner to Bootcamp held at Nawasena Mandiri University on January 13-14, 2025. During Bootcamp, participants received briefing from well-known industry experts and mentors, such as founders of successful startups and investment analysts.
In addition, on January 15, 2025, WMM 2024 finalists had a special opportunity to deepen business insight by visiting the headquarters of two well-known companies, Buttonscarves and Paxel. At Buttonscarves, discussions focused on strategies to manage opportunities and create businesses that are able to adapt to market needs. Meanwhile, in Paxel, finalists gain insight into building an inspiring leader character, which is one of the keys to success in leading a business.
Not only that, the WMM program also presents a business matchmaking session titled speed dating which is designed to open access to an investment network. More than 15 potential investors are present to listen to the business presentations of finalists, with each finalist given 15 minutes to explain their vision, mission, and potential business. This session is expected to bring together fresh ideas from young entrepreneurs with financial support that can encourage their business growth in a sustainable manner.
Special at the peak event on January 17, 2025, the finalists will present their business in front of the jury in an intensive judging session. The competition judges consist of various important figures, including Bank Mandiri President Director Darmawan Junaidi, General Manager of Export Angel Lukito, Executive Director of Vertex Ventures Joshua Agusta, and Brand Owner Sada Hybrid Beauty Cathy Sharon.
Meanwhile, the 2024 WMM competition which is now entering its 17th year is divided into four main categories, namely Beauty & Wellness, Fashion, Food & Beverages, and Tech & Tech-Enabled Startups. Through a rigorous judging process, WMM 2024 managed to announce the four best winners in each category.
Category Beauty And Wellness: Alt Perfumery
Alt Perfumery is a representation of Edwin Surya Yahya's great vision in building a brand of local perfume products that are able to compete in the international arena. With a focus on innovation and quality, Alt Perfumery presents a series of perfume products that not only reflect the beauty and uniqueness of Indonesia but also meet global standards. This brand is a pioneer in in introducing high-quality local perfume as a symbol of national pride that is ready to achieve foreign market share.
Fashion Category: Nutana
NUTANA, under the leadership of Nafisah Ratanti Wulandari, brought the revolutionary "Effortless Jewelry" concept to the world of jewelry. By utilizing an ethical and environmentally friendly laboratory-made diamond, NUTANA creates affordable jewelry, is comfortable to wear everyday, and has high durability. Through the #DianiasForEveryone movement, NUTANA has not only changed the perspective on diamond jewelry, but also supports sustainability and inclusiveness in the modern jewelry industry.
Food And Beverages Category: Alamme
Alamme, led by Danang Satria Mustari Nugroho, is an innovation in the Indonesian healthy food and beverage industry. Committed to providing products that are natural, healthy, and affordable, Alamme presents a series of products such as Black Garlic, Black Garlic Honey, to Nutri Glaze which are not only delicious but also rich in health benefits. By supporting local farmers and breeders, Alamme has succeeded in creating an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem, making it a pioneer in bringing innovative health products throughout the country.
Tech Category: AGAVI
AGAVI, under the leadership of Sari Nurmayani, is the leading solution in processing agricultural and food products in Indonesia. With its three business units including AGAVI Innovation, AGAVI Institute, and AGAVI Lab, the company offers comprehensive services, ranging from product innovation, personnel training, to international standard laboratory testing. AGAVI not only increases the added value of local commodities, but also supports a superior and highly competitive food entrepreneur system, making the Indonesian agricultural sector ready to compete in the global market.
Meanwhile, from the Top 4 category winners in WMM 2024, Alamme managed to go further by winning the Best of The Best title. Based on the jury's assessment, Alamme has extraordinary competitiveness, and business potential, both at the national and global levels. With the philosophy of "all from nature," Alamme is able to reach a wider market with natural, healthy, and affordable products. This success places Alamme as the main inspiration for other business actors, as well as strengthens WMM's role as an important platform in producing young entrepreneurs who are innovative, resilient, and have a real impact.
We are very grateful for this award, which is a form of acknowledgment for the hard work of our team and the public's trust in Alamme products. The Best of The Best title motivates us to continue to innovate, support local communities, and expand the positive impact we can create, not only for consumers, but also for a wider ecosystem," said Alamme CEO Danang Satria Mustari Nugroho.
Each winner of the category received a capital reward of Rp. 200 million, while the winner of the Best of The Best title was rewarded with an additional reward of Rp. 300 million, as the highest form of appreciation for innovation, social impact, and extraordinary business potential. Not only that, the winners were also given priority access to financing from Bank Mandiri as well as valuable opportunities to appear and be involved in various prestigious events, both at the national and international levels.
In addition to capital rewards, WMM winners also get comprehensive support for their business development. This support includes assistance for increasing business scale and strengthening the ecosystem of young entrepreneurs as well as providing exclusive mentoring programs designed to strengthen their business capabilities," added Darmawan.
Apart from participants, the jury also expressed their appreciation for the quality of business and innovation displayed in this year's competition. Alamanda Shantika admits that she is amazed by the level of creativity and professionalism shown by the finalists. The finalists present a real and relevant business solution to the needs of today's society. I believe they have great potential to bring positive changes in their respective industries," said Alamanda.
Expansion and Support of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Furthermore, through WMM, Bank Mandiri has proven its commitment to expanding and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more than a decade, WMM has not only been a competition, but also a forum for collaboration and inclusive business development. WMM alumni such as Coffee Toffee, which has successfully developed a modern coffee shop network with local flavors, as well as Waste4Change, a technology-based and sustainability-based waste management company, is a clear proof of the positive impact of Bank Mandiri's support for MSMEs.
Not to forget, Bell Living Lab also managed to steal attention with eco-moving-based household product innovations which are now in demand by the international market and hundreds of other WMM alumni.
Darmawan explained, through WMM, Bank Mandiri not only provides financial access, but also provides a holistic business development ecosystem. WMM is designed as a forum for the development of SMEs that cover various important aspects such as exclusive mentoring by industry experts, intensive business assistance, to training programs that focus on strengthening managerial capabilities, digital marketing, and financial management.
Not only that, WMM also opens opportunities for strategic collaboration to Bank Mandiri's wholesale ecosystem, and brings together young entrepreneurs with potential investors and relevant business partners.
Through this approach, hundreds of entrepreneurs who are members of the WMM ecosystem have succeeded in developing their business scale significantly. They are not only able to increase operational capacity, but also expand market reach to the international realm," Darmawan explained.
Moreover, the bank with the gold ribbon logo assesses that this support is the key to empowering business actors to become the main driving force of the national economy. This optimism is also in line with the third point of Asta Cita Pemerintah which emphasizes the importance of creating quality jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, developing the creative industry, and strengthening infrastructure development.
In addition, this program also supports the big vision of "Together with Advanced Indonesia Towards Golden Indonesia 2045" by preparing a young generation who is able to bring positive changes to the national economy through innovation and creativity in various business sectors.
Bank Mandiri is optimistic that innovation and works born to WMM participants this year will be an inspiration for the younger generation to enter the world of entrepreneurship, as well as have a significant positive impact on society.
We believe that the younger generation is the main key in creating a better economic future. Therefore, we will continue to be present to support the business ecosystem of entrepreneurs, from all sectors," concluded Darmawan.