Funding required: $31,650
This project will help: 175 caregivers and youth
Estimated completion date: May 2028
Country: Indonesia
Executive summary
Over the last few decades, Indonesia has experienced steady economic growth. While this progress has improved opportunities for many, individuals and families living in poverty continue to face systemic barriers that limit their economic mobility and access to stable employment. Many of the children and families served by Compassion’s church partners in Indonesia live in poverty and experience daily challenges that impact their overall well-being. In many of the communities served by Compassion’s partners, most caregivers rely on unstable or low-income work. Caregivers in these communities have not had access to higher education or had the opportunity to build business skills through programs such as entrepreneurships or business training workshops. As a result, many caregivers have had no choice but to work as drivers, daily labourers or find employment within the informal sector. These jobs are often low-paying, unreliable and leave families at risk of exploitation. With limited income, caregivers do not have the resources needed to invest in training or education that could help them pursue more stable employment opportunities. Sadly, this can have a devastating impact on growing children. Without a steady income, caregivers are unable to afford basic necessities such as clean water, safe shelter, school supplies and nutritious meals. Without these essentials, children may be at risk of developing malnutrition and preventable illnesses. They may also struggle in school and be more likely to drop out entirely. To address this, Compassion’s church partners in Indonesia have identified two strategic income-generating opportunities that can help caregivers build more stable and sustainable livelihoods within their communities. The first is in the food and beverage sector and the second is in eco-product development, particularly through eco-enzyme–based businesses. Through this intervention, 175 caregivers and interested youth participants will have the opportunity to attend business training workshops, where they will learn how to develop and grow their own small businesses within one of these two emerging sectors.Background
Micro and small enterprises are a key driver of economic growth in Indonesia, particularly within low-income communities. Development research consistently shows that small-scale and home-based industries provide accessible pathways for families with limited capital and formal education to improve their livelihoods. Currently, several emerging sectors in Indonesia are experiencing rapid growth and increasing demand for workers and entrepreneurs. In Central Java, the culinary and café industries have expanded significantly, creating opportunities in food preparation, service delivery and small business management. At the same time, the continued growth of e-commerce and digital platforms has opened new pathways for digital marketing and online entrepreneurship. Eco-product entrepreneurship is also emerging as a promising sector, with the potential to transform organic waste into marketable goods such as liquid soaps and household cleaning products through environmentally sustainable production methods. Together, these sectors offer practical entry points for income generation and skills development among low-income households.The need
In Indonesia, many caregivers and young people served by Compassion’s church partners are struggling to find meaningful employment. Without access to training programs, skills workshops or higher education, these caregivers often find themselves with no choice but to take on unreliable, seasonal or low-paying jobs. With your gift, 175 caregivers and youth ready to enter the workforce will have the opportunity to establish small businesses and generate a sustainable income. These participants will attend business and entrepreneurship workshops where they will gain valuable knowledge in business management, operations, budgeting, customer service, marketing and skills related to eco-production and food and beverage businesses. Participants from the IO0975 and IO0910 centres will be trained within the culinary field, while participants from the IO0425 centre will learn eco-production. Participants will work together to develop micro-businesses within these sectors. Caregivers and youth will receive regular and ongoing mentorship from trainers and centre staff, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed as they plan, develop and run their small businesses.What your gift will do
Your gift will provide training and resources for 175 caregivers and youth in Indonesia, allowing them to start their own small businesses within the food and beverage sector or the eco-product sector:- Business and entrepreneurship training
- Business plan workshops and finalization
- Entrepreneurship seminars
- Coaching fees
- Business practice sites
- Culinary sector business support for IO0975
- Equipment
- 1 tablet
- 2 cash registers
- 3 booth stalls
- Food and beverage training
- Industrial visit
- Marketing and promotional tools
- Transportation fees for three months
- Eco enzyme production business support for IO0425
- Production equipment
- Lab testing to obtain a selling permit
- Small industry license
- Workshop and storage room
- 5,000 litres of liquid soap
Logistics
- Local contribution: US$1,444.85
- Handling of funds: Compassion International Indonesia will work with centre leadership to ensure this project stays within budget.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Compassion centre staff will provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to participating caregivers and youth. Staff will help participants manage risks through ongoing support, strict schedules and product innovations.