The School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), in collaboration with the Institute for Business and Management Research and Development (LPPM) of Mataram University, provided coaching and direct mentoring to entrepreneurs in Gili Asahan, tailoring their approach to the needs and circumstances of each business (August 14-16). These entrepreneurs included women who run banana chip businesses and men who run snorkeling and marine tourism businesses. Through direct discussions, the SBM ITB team explored the challenges entrepreneurs face and provided practical input to help their businesses grow more focused and sustainably.
Various business aspects were discussed in the coaching sessions, from branding and positioning, product development and packaging, determining product focus with potential for development, to calculating and managing business budgets. This mentoring is expected to help entrepreneurs view their businesses more holistically, not only from an operational perspective, but also from a strategic perspective for business development and sustainability.
Previously, SBM ITB and LPPM Universitas Mataram signed a Cooperation Agreement (Perjanjian Kerja Sama/PKS) to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in implementing community service activities (August 14). Following the signing of the PKS, the series of activities continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Mataram (FEB UNRAM) on the theme “Strengthening the Community Economy Based on Local Potential.” The FGD provided a space for lecturers from SBM ITB and FEB UNRAM to exchange ideas and perspectives on building and strengthening the community economy in Lombok by optimising local potential.
In the discussion, lecturers from both institutions exchanged ideas on various opportunities and challenges in local economic development, including how universities can play a role in providing knowledge, mentoring, and solutions relevant to community needs. The discussion also highlighted the importance of building the community economy by developing existing potential, so that communities can become key actors in developing their regional economies.
The Dean of SBM ITB, Prof. Aurik Gustomo stated that community economic development needs to begin with an understanding of a region’s existing potential.
“The most important thing is how we recognize the potential of the community and develop it with knowledge, innovation, and appropriate management. This is where universities have a role to play, being present with the community, not only providing knowledge but also assisting in the development process so that it can provide sustainable benefits.”
According to Prof. Aurik, collaboration between universities is also crucial to ensure that the knowledge and perspectives of each institution complement each other in addressing community needs.
Gili Asahan is expected to become a focus for the long-term development of community service activities by the SBM ITB People and Knowledge Management Expertise Group. This mentoring is the initial step in building a sustainable mentoring process, to strengthen the capacity of business actors, develop local economic potential, and supporting communities in building increasingly independent and sustainable businesses.
