UNAIR NEWS – The Directorate of Career Development, Entrepreneurship Incubation, and Alumni Affairs (DPKKA) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to demonstrate its commitment to cultivating competitive human resources in entrepreneurship. In collaboration with the Gresik Regency Manpower Office (Disnaker), DPKKA conducted an entrepreneurship training program aimed at dozens of aspiring local entrepreneurs in Gresik. This initiative goes beyond mere technical training; it also makes a tangible contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global agenda.

The training is designed to equip participants with essential skills to start and grow their businesses. The program covers essential topics, such as fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, tackling various business challenges, and practical strategies for success. A highlight of the event was the hands-on session on the Business Model Canvas (BMC), a strategic tool used to design, visualize, and refine business models systematically.

In his opening remarks, Zainul Arifin, SStp MM, Head of the Gresik Regency Manpower Office, emphasized the importance of the training in preparing young people for an increasingly competitive job market, while also contributing to job creation in Gresik.

“This event aims to serve as a stepping stone for participants to start their own businesses with thorough planning and a focused business model. The training is also highly relevant to UNAIR’s efforts to support the SDGs, particularly in eradicating poverty, increasing access to decent work, and promoting sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Supporting SDGs agenda
The entrepreneurship training program by DPKKA and the Gresik Manpower Office aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are part of a global effort to build a more sustainable and inclusive world.

One of the primary goals supported by this training is SDG Goal 8: “Decent Work and Economic Growth.” Through this training, aspiring entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create new business opportunities that can provide employment to the local community and stimulate local economic growth. As more businesses emerge, it is expected that the standard of living for the people of Gresik will improve through more stable and adequate incomes.

The training also supports SDG Goal 1, which aims to eradicate poverty. By creating opportunities for community members, especially young people, to start their own businesses, the program seeks to reduce unemployment and poverty in Gresik.

“We believe that entrepreneurship is a crucial key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Through this initiative, participants not only learn how to run a business but also how to become agents of change in their communities,” stated Yanuar Nugroho, SE MSc, Head of the Entrepreneurship Incubation Division at DPKKA.

Additionally, the training aligns with SDG Goal 4, which promotes quality education. Participants receive high-quality, practical education that is not limited to theory but is directly applicable to real-life situations. The Business Model Canvas session, for instance, trains participants to effectively outline their business plans, providing a clear roadmap for business development.

Addressing challenges and building motivation
The training also addressed various challenges that new entrepreneurs might face, such as securing funding, competing in the market, and adapting to technological and digital changes. Through interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to think creatively about overcoming these obstacles. “We want to ensure that participants are prepared to face the realities of the business world. Challenges will always be there, but through this training, we hope they can face them with confidence and enthusiasm,” added Yanuar Nugroho.

Participants also learned valuable strategies for building strong networks, utilizing available resources, and continuing to innovate and adapt in a dynamic market environment. They were encouraged to take calculated risks while making informed business decisions.

Collaboration for future success
The collaboration between DPKKA UNAIR and the Gresik Regency Manpower Office exemplifies how partnerships between educational institutions and government bodies can yield significant benefits for society. These efforts not only enhance individual competencies but also contribute to achieving broader development goals.

This entrepreneurship training is expected to create new entrepreneurs who are not only successful in their businesses but also actively contribute to improving community welfare and achieving sustainable development objectives in Indonesia.

Author: DPKKA contributor

Source : https://unair.ac.id/en/dpkka-collaborates-with-gresik-manpower-office-to-host-entrepreneurship-training/