COVID-19

Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development and gender inclusion in Indonesia

Crawford School of Public Policy | Indonesia Project

Event details

Indonesia Study Group

Date & time

Wednesday 23 March 2022
1.00pm–2.30pm

Venue

Online

Speaker

Lishia Erza (Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia; Permanent Committee for International Industry Access); Diana Octary (MELATI Nusantara, ASYX); Nandini Harihareswara (Independent Consultant

Contacts

Kate McLinton

To join: bit.ly/gs_Indonesia Webinar ID: 846 0999 4505 Passcode: 029070

As the world suffers the economic slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, investment, growth, and employment are all affected, and the crisis will have an impact on the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many small and medium enterprises (SME) are heavily impacted by the economic downturn, yet they are often excluded from innovative financial instruments that can help them survive, due to a lack of visibility and formal trade relationships. This is even more apparent for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) where most have limited access to the financial resources, knowledge and technology needed to improve their business practices.

MSMEs most in need of innovative solutions are those at the growth stage but they lack the competencies and literacy as they grow into professional businesses. Their market reach is limited since they still use traditional transaction practices. MSMEs also face challenges in taking advantage of larger business opportunities because they lack the capital to fulfill orders and/or accept the payment terms imposed by buyers. There are digital tools that can help MSMEs grow their business, become more efficient and more accountable, and access innovative financing sources, yet many women entrepreneurs lack the digital skills to make use of these tools.

This Global Seminar will highlight the experiences of MELATI Nusantara, a nation-wide program that assists entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, help their business recover from the impact of COVID-19. Lishia Erza (APINDO National SME Committee) will discuss the challenges and opportunities in helping SMEs attract more investment and participate in supply chains. Diana Octary (ASYX MELATI Nusantara) will discuss supply chain finance at the SME level. Nandini Harihareswara (Independent Consultant) will provide a comparative perspective on gendered financial and digital inclusion in the region.

Updated:  30 March 2024/Responsible Officer:  Crawford Engagement/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team