The Faculty of Vocational Studies at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), through the Sustainable Development Education (Pendidikan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan/PPB) course, continues to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). One of these contributions is realized through MSME digitalization assistance provided to small business owners in the Kulon Progo region.

The assistance was conducted at Mbah Arjo’s Rice Stall, owned by Ms. Purwanti, located in Wates District, Kulon Progo. The activity involved UNY students Trisna Ajeng Ramadhani, Eliana Ardelia Wati, Chaesella Andarista Kusumaningrum, along with other group members, under the guidance of the PPB course lecturer. The students carried out a series of activities including observation, interviews, documentation, product photo editing, and the creation of a GrabMerchant account as a digital business platform for the MSME.

The program activities included business data entry, menu uploads, product description preparation, and the installation of educational posters on MSME digitalization at the stall. These efforts aimed to help the business owner understand the onboarding process of digital platforms while accelerating digital transformation at the micro-enterprise level.

Ms. Purwanti expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided. “Through the creation of this Grab account, I am increasingly confident that my rice stall business can reach a wider market and continue to grow,” she stated.

This mentoring initiative has proven to have a positive impact not only on the business itself but also on the surrounding community. In addition to expanding marketing reach, the activity serves as a practical example for other MSMEs to begin utilizing digital platforms as a strategy to strengthen the local economy.

This student-led initiative reflects UNY’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and enhancing community digital literacy. Moving forward, UNY is committed to expanding similar mentoring programs as a tangible contribution to achieving the SDGs at both local and international levels.