The effectiveness of community empowerment and entrepreneurship on MSME business outcomes

Abstract

MSMEs play an important role in economic growth, particularly in labor absorption and poverty reduction. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of community empowerment on MSME business outcomes. The research method used is pre-experimental with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The study was conducted from July to August in the Gedawang, Banyumanik area, Semarang City, with a total of 32 respondents comprising food MSME actors and women of productive age. The majority of food MSME respondents, 21 people (65.6%), were aged 20–35 years, while the remaining 11 people (34.4%) were aged below 20 years or above 35 years. Most respondents had a higher education background. The study found that entrepreneurial characteristics—self-confidence, risk-taking, task and result orientation, leadership, and originality—significantly influenced the success of food MSMEs in Gedawang Village. Self-confidence was reflected in the respondents’ independence, experience, and aspirations to expand their businesses. Risk-taking showed mixed tendencies; although some respondents hesitated to take risks, innovation and promotional strategies were essential in facing challenges. Task and result orientation was demonstrated by hard work, strong determination, and a focus on both profit and product quality. Leadership was characterized by the ability to control business operations, build good customer relations, and accept constructive feedback. Originality was shown through product development, new ideas, and marketing strategies. These findings conclude that entrepreneurial characteristics positively contribute to the success of food MSMEs in Gedawang Village, Semarang.