MBKM Wirausaha is part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative, which focuses on fostering entrepreneurial development among Indonesian students. This program serves as an avenue for students to explore and cultivate entrepreneurial skills that may not be fully covered in conventional academic curriculums, making MBKM Wirausaha a vital solution.

Launched by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), MBKM Wirausaha enables students to gain practical experience outside their academic courses through hands-on entrepreneurship activities.

In 2024, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) has been selected by Kemendikbudristek to host MBKM Wirausaha. This year’s program continues previous efforts, with FEB students having participated in past MBKM Wirausaha cohorts.

Sarwoto, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., LSS.Cp., Acting Head of the S-1 Management Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS, addressed this during the 2024 Wirausaha Merdeka socialization event held online on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This event was organized by the S-1 Management Program in collaboration with the Management Student Association (HMJ).

According to Sarwoto, the S-1 Management Program actively supports MBKM, offering not only the MBKM Wirausaha pathway but also all eight MBKM options. “Each semester, we see new participants, and we hope our students will take full advantage of this opportunity to channel their talents, an opportunity for entrepreneurship simulation, and be mentored by experienced entrepreneurs, ultimately becoming quality entrepreneurs,” he encouraged.

He emphasized that students joining MBKM Wirausaha are not merely learning to trade but are developing the skills of a true entrepreneur. “Remember to apply, and if accepted, report to the program head. Do not drop courses until you are officially accepted to avoid any issues,” he advised.

Sarwoto also welcomed students to reach out with any questions regarding MBKM, assuring them of his support. Meanwhile, Dila Maghrifani, S.E., B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Coordinator of the MBKM Entrepreneurship Program for the S-1 Management Program at FEB UNS, highlighted that Wirausaha Merdeka 2024 offers various benefits, including access to funding, coaching clinics, startup communities, and opportunities for expos and business matching.

Through this initiative, students can connect with venture capital, government agencies, communities, and university funding sources. Additionally, they will receive mentoring from business practitioners and gain hands-on experience in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow their businesses. Students will also have networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, potentially paving the way for partnerships, further learning, and funding.

Moreover, students have a unique chance to present their startup products or services to potential investors, business partners, and prospective customers.

Responding to a participant’s question on business ideas, Dila advised that a business idea does not need to be overly detailed. “Your business idea doesn’t have to be overly specific. Just focus on explaining the why, what, and how of your concept. Why—why your business exists, identifying a problem in the market that you aim to solve; What—what your business is, the product, its features, and the benefits it offers to address the target market’s needs; and How—how you plan to reach your target market, whether digitally, offline, through expos, or other methods,” she explained.

Dila further noted that Wirausaha Merdeka 2024 will only accept 400 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from across Indonesia, urging students to register promptly.