Community as a driver of smes growth in indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the role of the community for the development of micro and small
enterprises (SME) in Indonesia. The research aims to explore the benefits of information
exchange among community members and explore the community utilization for the
development of their business. The research also aims to review the role of community for the
members. This research is a qualitative research using phenomenology approach. Research
objects are community members of micro and small enterprises, while Informants in this study
amounted to five people consisting of two micro entrepreneurs and 3 three small
entrepreneurs. The research analysis tool used is Phenomenology. The results of this study
indicate that the interaction of micro and small business community members through
WhatsApp group is very dynamic. The networking that occurs among community members is
not only a common friendship but also sharing of business information, business transactions,
and business partnerships. Community members feel very helpful in doing business with the
community existance. Many members increase their sales turnover because they are actively
involved in WhatsApp group. This is because trough WhatsApp group, the community
members can promote their products and/or services freely. Furthermore, information
sharing is regularly done through WhatsApp groups, such as business plan preparation
training, exhibition activities, access to cheap and quality raw materials, potential business
opportunities, financial governance, and business legality management. Hence, community
can bridge connectivity among members, resulting in a growing sense of togetherness and
loyalty among them. © 2019, International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. All
rights reserved.

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