The Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (Kemenkop UKM) is actively promoting the empowerment of innovative women entrepreneurs focusing on technology-based ventures. This initiative includes the Women in Entrepreneurship program for SMEs organized by Standard Chartered and BenihBaik.com in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/3/2024). Rully Nuryanto, an advisor to the Minister of Cooperatives and UKM, expressed his support for empowering innovative women entrepreneurs in technology-based ventures. He appreciated the collaboration between Standard Chartered and BenihBaik.com in initiating the Women in Entrepreneurship program for SMEs. "This program aims to create innovative women entrepreneurs in technology-based ventures," Rully stated during the launch event of the Standard Chartered Women in Entrepreneurship program for SMEs in Jakarta. Rully emphasized that such initiatives demonstrate a shared commitment to supporting women's progress and self-reliance in various business sectors. Empowering women entrepreneurs is a crucial pillar in national economic development, aligning with the government's vision to establish Indonesia as a global economic powerhouse by 2045.
Although women entrepreneurs face complex challenges in ensuring the sustainability of their businesses, Rully acknowledged the need for collaboration to empower them. One tangible effort in this direction is the Women in Entrepreneurship program for SMEs. Currently, Kemenkop UKM is focusing on encouraging entrepreneurs in potential sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and fitness, clean energy, and technology. The government is continuously supporting programs that not only provide training but also technical assistance for improving corporate governance and business development. Rully hopes this program will have a positive impact on the development and sustainability of participants' businesses, facilitating access to markets, aggregators, or even financing to meet national economic scales and markets. Dewi Muhfiyanti, the Compliance Director of Standard Chartered, explained that their collaboration with the Benih Baik Foundation has supported approximately 3000 women-led SMEs across Indonesia. She emphasized the importance of mentorship as women-led SMEs still face challenges such as access to financing and technology. The Women in Entrepreneurship program serves as a bridge to address gender disparities in the business world and foster entrepreneurial spirit among women.
