REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- From fashion, technology, to culinary sectors, every business model has an equal opportunity to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Mandiri (WMM) program. The program, which is regularly organized by Bank Mandiri every year, is not just an event to earn a degree or a prize. More than that, WMM becomes a source of inspiration for young entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions, proving that with creativity, business opportunities can be created from many unexpected angles.

Bank Mandiri Corporate Secretary Teuku Ali Usman, explained that WMM is also a platform for young entrepreneurs to collaborate with investors in an effort to expand their business, as well as contribute positively to the environment and industry. In addition, WMM offers an exclusive opportunity for participants to learn and get hands-on training from experts in their respective fields, so that young entrepreneurs can develop the skills and knowledge needed to move up the class.

Since it was first launched in 2007, Bank Mandiri's consistent support of this program has produced inspiring young entrepreneurs and spurred the emergence of visionary Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). More than just a competition, WMM provides funding as well as comprehensive training that enables innovative businesses to grow further and make a wider positive impact in society.

Bank Mandiri has shown its consistency in supporting the seeds of young entrepreneurs in the country through the organization of the competition Muda Mandiri (WMM). Since its launch in 2007, WMM has spawned many successful young entrepreneurs.

Ali explained that, entering its 17th year, Bank Mandiri hopes that WMM can reignite the spirit of entrepreneurs in Indonesia to innovate and spur creativity in creating an adaptive and solutive ecosystem.

According to him, every year WMM continues to gain great enthusiasm from business operators. In 2023, the WMM event attracted thousands of registered participants from all over Indonesia. “Seeing this high level of interest, Bank Mandiri is committed to continuing to develop the Mandiri Muda Entrepreneurship program in order to remain relevant and be able to have a greater impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indonesia,” Ali said.

In addition, this year WMM even presented the concept of Speed Dating for the Top 20 WMM which allows participants to meet in person with potential investors. Through this concept, it is hoped to open up broader cooperation and funding opportunities for participants who are, on average, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Not just a competition, Bank Mandiri also provides various forms of support to young entrepreneurial alumni through various empowerment programs and international exhibitions. One of them is the opportunity to participate in prestigious international exhibitions, such as the Salone del Milano event attended by Bell Living Lab, Innovex presenting Crustea, Startup Seoul which included Tapp, and SIAL Paris with Sila Artisan Tea.

Ali also added that as a state-owned enterprise and a change agent, Bank Mandiri has run various TJSL programs to provide entrepreneurial support to the community. In addition to WMM, through the Mandiri Sahabatku program, Bank Mandiri has also embraced more than 19,000 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in 6 countries through entrepreneurship debriefing and mentoring. Not only that, Bank Mandiri is also committed to financial inclusion by supporting 62 million beneficiaries through various TJSL programs, including through training and coaching for MSMEs and awarding scholarships to more than 10,000 students across Indonesia.

“At the age of 26, Bank Mandiri wants to continue to be present in the community. Through adaptive and solutive services, we strive to be a reliable partner in supporting society's economic growth and sustainable development in Indonesia,” he said.

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