One inspiring story is that of Tatik Anita Haryati, a Balinese entrepreneur who transformed fish skin into tasty crackers and successfully introduced her products to international markets across the globe, including Malaysia, Hong Kong and Africa.

Tatik’s entrepreneurial journey began with limited resources as she developed crispy, high-value crackers from fish skin, which is generally regarded as waste. Her fledgling business faced significant challenges at the outset, including limited capital, marketing hurdles and minimal business knowledge.

But then, her business began to flourish through financial support and training from PNM Mekaar. Intensive mentoring helped her to increase production capacity, expand market reach and adopt better financial strategies.

What started as a modest venture has now grown into a large-scale business with thriving exports.

"PNM Mekaar has truly been my lifesaver. It not only provided loans, but also offered training that boosted my confidence in running a business. I have never missed a training session from PNM," said Tatik.

The success of her business has also positively impacted the local economy.

As demand for her products grew, Tatik employed local residents to assist in production, creating new jobs and empowering her community. She also noted that her efforts not only helped preserve the environment, but also benefited those around her.

“My product packaging has improved with [PNM Mekaar’s] help, and now I have an NIB [business identification number]. I never imagined my home-based business could grow this big,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the successful outcome of her hard work, with the support of PNM Mekaar.

“The key is to keep striving for growth,” added Tatik, who encourages fellow small-scale entrepreneurs to be persistent in growing their businesses.

Tatik believes that obtaining a single business document can generate a motivation to obtain others, a mindset that enabled her fish scale crackers to gain acceptance in international markets.

She has also taken on the additional role of a BRILink Mekaar agent under the state-owned lender’s Ultra Micro Holding program, which is available to select PNM Mekaar customers.

PNM President Director Arief Mulyadi commended the resilience of underprivileged women who refused to give up and instead expanded their capacity and know-how toward the eventual success of their enterprises.

"Through the Mekaar program, PNM remains committed to supporting women like Tatik, enabling them to achieve economic independence and make a meaningful contribution to their families. Her success is proof that with perseverance and the right support, anyone can achieve success,” he said Arief.

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