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

The training was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the culinary business ecosystem. Participants explored how to transform food products from home kitchen ideas into marketable, commercially viable, and financially sustainable ventures.

During hands-on sessions, participants learned to make risoles, a savory Indonesian pastry, exploring several flavor variations adapted to contemporary market trends. This hands-on practice helped participants hone production techniques while maintaining product quality, flavor consistency, attractive presentation, and market appeal.

Technical production skills were paired with cost of goods sold (COGS / HPP) calculation modules. Participants were taught to accurately calculate production costs, identify all raw ingredient and overhead expenses, and set competitive, profitable selling prices.

This financial acumen is vital for micro-entrepreneurs to avoid underpricing, protect profit margins, and make sound business decisions. Clear cost insights also enable participants to plan raw material purchasing, manage expenses, and evaluate product feasibility.

The program also covered entrepreneurship essentials and marketing strategies. Participants examined the mindset and discipline required to manage a business, target the right customer segments, position products effectively, and navigate competition in the food sector.

Recognizing the importance of digital channels for small businesses, the training introduced creative online food promotion approaches. This enabled participants to reach potential customers, build brand awareness, and expand sales beyond immediate personal networks.

By integrating food production techniques, financial planning, entrepreneurship, and marketing strategies, the program provided participants with a solid foundation to start and scale independent culinary businesses.

The training aims to stimulate the growth of new micro-enterprises that contribute tangibly to household incomes. Participants can apply their learnings to enhance existing culinary endeavors or take their first confident steps as independent food entrepreneurs.

The high enthusiasm displayed throughout the three days reflected participants’ strong drive to pursue new livelihood opportunities. Their active engagement underscored the importance of practical skills development as a catalyst for community-driven economic growth.

MATA is YIIM’s community empowerment initiative focusing on enhancing economic capacity through practical vocational training and ongoing micro-business mentoring, positioning community members as key drivers of their own economic progress.

This initiative contributes to SDG 1: No Poverty by opening pathways to improved family income, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through support for entrepreneurship and productive livelihoods, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by widening access to economic opportunities.

Through the MATA program, YIIM and Insight Investments Management reaffirm their commitment to optimizing social funds to generate measurable socioeconomic value, demonstrating how targeted skills training empowers communities with confidence, resilience, and economic independence.

Inspiration Greetings!