Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), in collaboration with Insight Investments Management, conducted a three-day culinary entrepreneurship training program from 6 to 8 May 2026. Delivered through the Masyarakat Terampil dan Berdaya (MATA) program, the initiative supported 18 selected participants in developing the practical and business skills needed to enter the culinary industry.

The training was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the culinary-business ecosystem. Participants explored the process of transforming a food product from a kitchen-based idea into a marketable and financially sustainable business.

During the practical sessions, participants learned to make risoles, a popular Indonesian savoury pastry, in several flavour variations adapted to current market preferences. The hands-on activities helped participants strengthen their production skills while considering product quality, consistency, presentation, and consumer demand.

Technical production skills were complemented by lessons on food costing. Participants learned how to calculate the cost of goods produced, identify the different expenses involved in making a product, and establish an appropriate selling price.

These financial skills are essential for helping microentrepreneurs avoid underpricing, protect their profit margins, and make informed business decisions. A clear understanding of production costs can also enable participants to plan their purchases, control expenditure, and evaluate the financial viability of their products.

The program also covered entrepreneurship fundamentals and marketing strategy. Participants explored the mindset and discipline required to manage a business, identify target customers, position their products, and respond to competition in the culinary market.

Recognizing the importance of digital channels for small businesses, the training introduced creative approaches to promoting food products online. These lessons were intended to help participants reach prospective customers, build product awareness, and expand their market beyond their immediate personal networks.

By combining food-production skills, financial planning, entrepreneurship, and marketing, the program provided participants with a more complete foundation for starting or developing their own culinary enterprises.

The training is expected to encourage the establishment and growth of microbusinesses capable of contributing to household income. Participants can apply the knowledge gained to improve existing businesses or take their first steps towards becoming independent culinary entrepreneurs.

The enthusiasm demonstrated throughout the three-day program reflected participants’ motivation to pursue new livelihood opportunities. Their active involvement also highlighted the value of practical skills development as a starting point for community-led economic growth.

MATA is YIIM’s community-development initiative focused on increasing economic capacity through practical vocational training and continued support for microenterprises. The program places community members as active drivers of their own economic progress.

The initiative contributes to SDG 1 on No Poverty by creating pathways towards improved household income, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by supporting entrepreneurship and productive livelihoods, and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities by expanding access to economic opportunities.

Through the MATA program, YIIM and Insight Investments Management reaffirm their commitment to using social funding to create measurable socioeconomic value. The collaboration demonstrates how targeted skills training can help community members build greater confidence, resilience, and economic independence.

Salam Inspirasi!