EMPOWERING MSMEs FROM BANJARMASIN THROUGH CUSTOMER SERVICE, WORKING CAPITAL, AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT TRAINING: A COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE

Abstrak

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Indonesia's economy; however, many face significant challenges in customer service delivery, financial management, and inventory control that constrain their growth potential. This community service initiative addressed these practical gaps through targeted training for MSMEs under the guidance of UPZ Bakti Bersama and BRI Kalsel.

Methods: The one-day program was conducted at Rumah BUMN Banjar BRI in Banjarbaru employing a participatory approach combining expert-led lectures, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and individualized mentoring. The program served 18 participants from diverse MSME sectors, focusing on customer service excellence, working capital management, and inventory management.

Results: Based on facilitator observations and participant feedback, the program generated positive indications of greater awareness of customer relationship management principles, complaint handling procedures, and effective communication strategies. Observed responses included awareness of financial record-keeping, separation of business and personal finances, cash flow management, and inventory tracking practices intended to reduce the risk of overstock and stock-out situations. Ten participants expressed intention to implement systematic financial recording, eight indicated plans for inventory tracking systems, and seven reported intent to improve customer service practices.

Conclusion and Suggestion: The initiative demonstrated the potential value of an integrated capacity-building approach for addressing immediate MSME operational needs. Sustained impact requires follow-up mentoring, appropriate adoption of accessible digital tools, and systematic outcome measurement to assess long-term business sustainability.