UNU Jogja-LazisNU DIY Business Incubation Training Equips MSMEs with Knowledge of Business Legality and Financing

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), through its Directorate of Community Engagement and Social Laboratory (Labsos), in collaboration with the Nahdlatul Ulama Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah Institution (LazisNU) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), equipped micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with knowledge of business legality and financing through the third session of the Business Incubation Training program.

The training, themed “Business Legality and Financing,” was attended by MSME participants of the business incubation program and held at Kaktus Caffe Place, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Saturday, August 8.

The activity was part of UNU Jogja and LazisNU DIY’s efforts to strengthen MSME capacity, particularly in understanding business legality, financial management, and access to business financing.

In her remarks, Chairperson of LazisNU DIY Dinik Fitri Rahajeng Pangestuti, S.E., M.Ak., reminded business owners to develop financial awareness and avoid considering all money in their possession as freely available funds.

She illustrated this by distinguishing between counterfeit money and what she described as the “falsehood of money.”

“Counterfeit money is something we can clearly identify. But with the falsehood of money, we need to be more careful because the money is real, but it does not entirely belong to us,” Dinik said.

According to her, there are at least three conditions that need to be considered in financial management. First, some money may constitute the rights of other people. Second, money belonging to or originating from the government must be used responsibly and accounted for. Third, even personal funds need to be divided between money for current needs and money set aside for the future.

“Therefore, the money in our hands cannot automatically be considered money that we are free to spend. There are responsibilities attached to it,” she said.

The training featured Galuh Tri Pambekti, S.E.I., M.E.K., CSCP., a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, and Moch. Ichwan Fadkur Rizza, Marketing Officer at Bank BPD Syariah DIY.

Galuh delivered a session on business legality. She explained that legal compliance is an important aspect for MSMEs seeking to develop and scale up their businesses.

According to her, each type of business has different legal requirements, making it important for business owners to understand the documents and permits relevant to their respective fields.

One important form of business legality is the Business Identification Number (NIB) and PIRT for food businesses. Having the necessary legal documents can strengthen business readiness to access various financing, training, mentoring, and assistance programs.

“For business owners who want to move up to the next level, legality cannot be viewed merely as an administrative matter. It is part of a business’s readiness to grow and access various opportunities,” Galuh explained.

Meanwhile, Moch. Ichwan Fadkur Rizza delivered material on business financing through banking institutions. He explained various requirements and financing products available to business owners.

One of the participants, Sri Lestari, said the training provided practical knowledge that could be directly applied to her business.

“This event was very good. I received a very good explanation about how MSMEs can use QRIS as a payment method for their businesses,” Sri said.

As a catering business owner, Sri also found the explanation of business legality and standards helpful, including the importance of the Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificate (SLHS).

“The material was detailed and easy to understand. As a catering business owner, I now understand better that aspects such as SLHS are also important to consider,” she said.

Sri appreciated the support provided by UNU Jogja and LazisNU DIY, which she said went beyond training by providing opportunities for MSMEs to access assistance, financing, and mentoring.

“I am very satisfied because, as an MSME, I feel that we are being cared for and supported,” she said.

She hopes that MSME assistance programs can continue to be developed, particularly in helping business owners understand how to access financing and grant opportunities.

According to her, many business owners still need support to recover and develop their businesses but do not yet understand the mechanisms and procedures for accessing various sources of financing.

The UNU Jogja-LazisNU DIY Business Incubation Training is expected to serve as part of ongoing assistance for MSMEs, particularly in strengthening business legality and expanding access to business financing.

Through such support, MSMEs are expected to be better prepared to develop their businesses sustainably. [Latifah]