Six Grand Winners were recognized in the micro and ultra-micro categories

SisBerdaya, a local initiative by DANA and Ant Group dedicated to empowering Indonesian women entrepreneurs mainly from ultra-micro and micro businesses, announced six Grand Winners in Jakarta. They represent a diverse range of industries from food manufacturing to handicrafts.

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SisBerdaya Final Pitching Competition & Award Gala (Photo: Business Wire)

The Grand Winners of the final pitching competition from Area 1 (Kalimantan and Sumatera) are Siti Aswinda from Medan who runs a culinary business called ‘Bakso Makiji’ in the micro business category Efariany from Pekanbaru with ‘Rumah Bawang Kadedika’ in the ultra-micro business category.

From Area 2 (Sulawesi, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Bali, and Papua), the Grand Winners are Eka Shandy from Makassar who has a weaving and handicraft business called ‘Dituta’ in the micro business category and Musridawanti from Makassar with a handicraft business ‘Whantie Collection’ in the ultra-micro business category.

The Grand Winners of Area 3 (Greater Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi) are Inne Viryani from Tangerang with her ‘Coklat and Sambal Kurma Riasafood’ in the micro business category and Romauli Sri Astuti from Central Jakarta who runs a fried onion-based business called ‘Ulimus’ in the ultra-micro business category.

The six Grand Winners stood out based on their business plans presented during the final pitching competition. The assessment criteria include the business model, operational scalability, financial projections and digital innovation including digital marketing and payment adaptability with QRIS.

Each of the Grand Winners is entitled to a prize of IDR 20 million (for the ultra-micro business category) or IDR 35 million (for the micro business category) as business capital to pursue their growth plans.

In addition, another 24 Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs were also recognized by the program. They will receive a cash prize as business capital to invest in the growth of their businesses. All of the female business owners represent a wide range of businesses, including textiles, handicrafts, packaged food, and more.

Agustina Samara, Chief People and Corporate Strategy Officer DANA Indonesia said, "Congratulations to all winners of the SisBerdaya program for their dedication and efforts in completing the series of selection, mentorship and training processes. It is an honour for us to witness each participant's rapid improvement in gaining a deeper understanding of business digitalization and developing a more sustainable business plan. We would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the successful completion of the inaugural SisBerdaya. The SisBerdaya program has demonstrated that collaboration is one of the keys to achieving economic independence for Indonesian women."

“The successful completion of the inaugural SisBerdaya marks an exciting beginning for the winners and outstanding businesswomen from the program to pursue their dreams and inspirations. We would like to encourage all participants of SisBerdaya to continue engaging with each other and with the local community to empower more like-minded women to succeed,” said Ms Carrie Suen, Senior Advisor, Global Affairs & Sustainability Strategies, Ant Group. “It has been a humbling experience to engage such a diverse group of local women entrepreneurs operating micro and ultra-micro businesses from different regions, industries and backgrounds. Together with DANA, we are proud to have played a part in supporting them to reach their full potential on a global scale.”

The SisBerdaya program has been running for the past three months from March to May 2023. After receiving over 2,400 applications from diverse regions throughout Indonesia, 180 applicants were chosen to go through a one-month mentorship and skills training from a bench of experts from DANA, Ant Group and other industry and government partners.

During the final pitching competition, 30 finalists from three different area categories representing micro and ultra-micro businesses took part and presented their business plans in front of the jury, consisting of Agustina Samara (Chief People and Corporate Strategy Officer DANA Indonesia), Rose Dian Sundari (Director of Financial Inclusion Development of the Financial Services Authority), Carrie Suen (Senior Advisor, Global Affairs & Sustainability Strategies, Ant Group), Septriana Tangkary (Director of Information and Communication for the Economy and Maritime Ministry of Communication and Informatics), Mira Rahmawaty (Deputy Director of the MSME Development Group, MSME Development and Consumer Protection Department, Bank of Indonesia), and Temmy (NAKAMA Program).

The final pitching competition and award gala of SisBerdaya is also witnessed by Edwin Nurhadi, Director of Financial Inclusion Development of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Elsya M. S. Chani, Head of MSME Development and Inclusive Finance Group, Department of MSME Development and Consumer Protection of Bank Indonesia.

Edwin Nurhadi, Director of Financial Inclusion Development of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) conveyed: "We at OJK would like to express our gratitude for the implementation of SisBerdaya. This program is consistent with OJK and Government initiatives. We also request the help and participation of Ministries, Institutions, and MSMEs to work together to enhance financial literacy. With the same spirit, anything is possible.”

Elsya M. S. Chani, Head of MSME Development and Inclusive Finance Group, Department of MSME Development and Consumer Protection of Bank Indonesia said: "We appreciate DANA and Ant Group's contributions as concrete evidence of the growth of women's MSMEs in Indonesia. We are confident that participants will receive new insights and strategies for becoming empowered entrepreneurs. MSME empowerment is a business that involves the collaboration of all stakeholders. The hope is that this initiative does not come to an end, but continues to expand.”

To create a sustainable and effective program, DANA and Ant Group will continue to monitor the development of all winners' business plans and provide joint business consulting services with DANA employees if needed to the winners.

Appendix

List of Grand Winners of SisBerdaya

About DANA

DANA (PT Espay Debit Indonesia Koe) is a digital wallet-based technology financial company that provides payment platforms and financial services in Indonesia. Since its launch in December 2018, DANA has now reached more than 135 million users in Indonesia. DANA provides complete digital transaction solutions that are safe, easy and convenient for users, merchants and financial institutions. The DANA solution, developed by leading financial technology engineers in Indonesia, aims to advance and accelerate financial literacy and inclusion in Indonesia. Apart from empowering digital finance, DANA also seeks to encourage Indonesian society through impactful social initiatives that focus on empowering women and preserving the environment.

About Ant Group

Ant Group traces its roots back to Alipay, which was established in 2004 to create trust between online sellers and buyers. Over the years, Ant Group has grown to become one of the world's leading open Internet platforms.

Through technological innovation, Ant Group supports its partners in providing inclusive, convenient digital life and digital financial services to consumers and SMEs. In addition, it has been introducing new technologies and products to support the digital transformation of industries and facilitate industrial collaboration. Working together with global partners, the company enables merchants and consumers to make and receive payments and remit around the world.

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