Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), through its Community Service Program (PLK), continues to support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). One such initiative was carried out in Pulewulung, Bangunkerto, Sleman where students provided assistance to local business owners in obtaining Business Identification Numbers (NIB) and Halal Certification. The program aims to help local entrepreneurs improve business legality, expand market access, and enhance competitiveness.

The community service team was led by Dr. Dhyah Setyorini, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., with team members Bintang Lazuardi Benteng Buana Muslim, S.M., M.M., Syahida Norviana, M.Sc., and Rr. Indah Mustikawati, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA. The program also involved student volunteers—Hassan Pramanca Atmaja, Muhammad Gading Lentera Arrasy, Yoga Pratama Samsugiharja, Taufik Nur Hidayat, and Muhammad Anugrah—who actively assisted participants and provided mentoring throughout the implementation of the activities.

The activity was implemented by a team of UNY students as part of their community engagement efforts. Through direct mentoring, the students guided MSME owners through administrative procedures and digital registration processes required for business licensing and halal certification. Many small business operators often face challenges in understanding regulatory requirements and online application systems, making this assistance highly valuable.

During the mentoring sessions, participants received explanations regarding the importance of possessing a Business Identification Number as an official legal identity for enterprises. An NIB provides easier access to government programs, financing opportunities, and broader business networks. In addition, the students introduced the benefits of halal certification, which increases consumer confidence and adds value to products, particularly in Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim market.

The mentoring process included assistance with document preparation, registration through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, and guidance on meeting halal certification requirements. Students worked closely with business owners to ensure that the submitted data and supporting documents complied with applicable regulations.

According to the student team, the program was designed not only to help MSMEs meet administrative requirements but also to strengthen their capacity for sustainable business development. By obtaining legal recognition and certification, local enterprises are expected to become more competitive and better prepared to enter wider markets.

The MSME owners welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the practical support provided by the students. They noted that the guidance helped simplify procedures that had previously seemed complicated and time-consuming.

This activity reflects UNY’s commitment to community empowerment and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through support for local entrepreneurship, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by strengthening business formalization and competitiveness, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between the university and local communities.

Through programs such as this, UNY students demonstrate how academic knowledge can be translated into meaningful community service. The initiative is expected to encourage more MSMEs to formalize their businesses, improve product quality, and achieve sustainable economic growth.