INDUSTRY.co.id - Semarang – Perseverance in running a business, supported by the right access to financing and empowerment, is the key for ultra-micro entrepreneurs to move up. This is reflected in the journey of Niken Tiwi Arni, a food stall business actor in Pandansari Village, Semarang, who was able to develop his business through the support of PNM Mekaar as part of the synergy of Holding Ultra Micro BRI Group.
Starting from a simple stall with a limited selection of goods, Niken continues to develop its business in order to help the family economy. He realized that the availability of stock was one of the important factors to keep customers coming and shopping at his stall.
"Initially, my business was small, just an ordinary grocery stall. But I want this stall to be more complete, so that customers do not need to go elsewhere," said Niken.
The desire to develop the business then brought Niken to know the PNM Mekaar program through the recommendations of his neighbors. From there he began to participate in mentoring and group meetings with other customers. Seeing the seriousness of Niken in developing its business, in 2019 it became the year PNM Mekaar provided initial capital support which was then used to gradually strengthen the business. Not only gaining access to capital, Niken also received assistance facilities, where he was given a new understanding by PNM on how to manage the business, ranging from managing stock needs, maintaining capital turnover, to seeing opportunities from the spending habits of local residents.
From then on, the stall began to show development. Customers are coming more and more often, and the stall has become the main choice in the neighborhood to buy rice, oil, and other household necessities. “The journey to build a food stall is very long. But because of the support of the officers from BRI Group, I believe I can develop my business to improve the family economy, "said Niken.
He added that a more stable income made him more calm in meeting household needs. She can also focus more on making sure her children stay in school without having to worry like before.
The once simple stall is now not only a place to sell, but a symbol of struggle and hope for his family. From a small space in front of the house, Niken proves that businesses that run consistently, even though starting from simple things, can grow and bring change. In the future, he hopes his business can continue to grow. Not only to increase income, but also to provide a better future for their children. On a separate occasion, Corporate Secretary BRI Dhanny emphasized that the empowerment of women ultra-micro business actors not only stops at access to financing, but also how to create an ecosystem that is able to encourage them to grow sustainably.
According to her, the presence of the PNM Mekaar program is one of the important instruments in opening opportunities for women to increase business capacity as well as strengthen family economic resilience, with the ability to manage finances and understand market needs. “The synergy in Ultra Micro Holding between BRI, Pegadaian, and PNM is a strength in expanding access to inclusive financial services. With this support, micro small business actors in many regions can develop gradually and sustainably, from simple businesses to being able to provide added value for the surrounding environment, "said Dhanny.
At the same time, the empowerment performance in the Ultra Micro Holding ecosystem also showed positive achievements. During the first quarter of 2026, 1.2 million PNM debtors were successfully promoted.
