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PNM program empowers Garut customers via woven bamboo products
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NM believes that its customers need more than just capital as it continues to help underprivileged women develop their businesses. One crucial aspect is access to a broader market. PNM's micro-entrepreneurs, who are all women and the majority housewives, run their businesses from home and often have a limited, localized customer base.
Titi Sapinah, a PNM Mekaar customer in Samida village, Garut regency, acknowledges this reality. A producer of various woven bamboo products, she feels she has greatly benefited from PNM’s invitations to participate in many exhibitions and bazaars.
"My products have become known and are purchased by people who had never thought of buying from me before. Important guests often come to these exhibitions and buy my woven bamboo products. If I hadn't been invited to participate, my [customer base] would have remained the same," Titi said.
From participating in several exhibitions through PNM’s facilitation, Titi feels she now has more confidence in introducing her products to a wider audience.
Moreover, she also took part in a research tour to PNM customers in Bali province who were known for their creativity in weaving bamboo. Titi has applied the knowledge she gained from PNM’s Business Capacity Development (PKU) training program in marketing her own woven bamboo products
Inspired by what she learned on the research tour, Titi has also created several new products and started to promote her business through WhatsApp.
"Who would have thought that I can now be successful like others, selling using my phone, not just at the market or from home?" she exclaimed happily.
PNM focuses on empowering its customers by providing both financing and guidance. It aims to empower its customers through improving their well-being, particularly in developing their businesses to generate a multiplier effect in social and environmental development.
PNM is currently the largest microfinance institution in the world, with 14.8 million customers, and focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs. The company PNM has modeled itself after Grameen Bank founded by Muhammad Yunus, but has surpassed the bank’s customer base of 10 million.
PNM's focus on its economic pillar has helped the government address issues related to decent employment, contributed to maintaining economic growth and reduced income inequality.
PNM’s continued commitment to assisting its customers access a wider market also reflects the company’s appreciation for its exemplary customers, who possess determination and contribute significantly to their household economy.
PNM hopes to inspire and motivate other aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their skills and knowledge toward growing their businesses and improving their families’ overall well-being.
