Model of Community Empowerment through Education Non-Formal Entrepreneurship to Improve Independence of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

Entrepreneurial activities are very important in increasing national economic growth, driving the creation of new jobs, and increasing product competitiveness. However, entrepreneurship education organized by the government is mostly formal education and is more directed at implementing the needs of big business. Therefore, this study aims to find a model of community empowerment through non-formal entrepreneurship education that can increase the independence of micro, small and medium enterprises through sustainable growth. This research is a qualitative descriptive study involving non-formal entrepreneurship education institutions in Sragen, in the Sragen Business School. Data were obtained through interviews and quasi-participatory observation, using instruments in the form of interview guides and observation guides. There were 17 participants consisting of administrators, mentors, alumni, and students of the Sragen Business School. Data analysis was carried out inductively using an interactive model from Miles and Huberman which consisted of 5 steps, namely data collection, data presentation, data reduction, drawing conclusions, and verification. The research findings show that the model of community empowerment through non-formal entrepreneurship education enables micro, small and medium enterprises to grow sustainably so that they become more independent. This model emphasizes the importance of the synergy of empowerment, facilitation, modeling, and communication based on local culture. This model allows for it to be implemented by small groups of people and does not require large investments. The findings of this study have implications for the development of community-based, non-formal entrepreneurship education to develop the independence of micro, small and medium enterprises.