Facebook Distributes IDR 12,5M to Help SMEs in Indonesia

pandemic hit almost all aspects of the life of the Indonesian people and even the world. SMEs that depend on economic conditions for their business continuity are among the most affected.

To help reduce the impact of the pandemic, Facebook rolled out a series of initiatives to ensure SMEs are ready to welcome the uncertainty of the economic situation due to the global pandemic. Among them are aid funds worth IDR 12,5 billion, virtual training programs, and product features across Facebook applications to help promote local businesses.

Pieter Lydian as Country Director for Facebook Indonesia said, “SMEs are currently experiencing very difficult times. Many of them are trying to adapt and take advantage of online platforms. We listen to the challenges SME owners face and want to provide useful support – including financial support – to help them bounce back, re-strategize and restore business performance.”

The registration phase for the Facebook grant program for SMEs in Indonesia is open from October 6 to October 13, 2020. However, of course there are several requirements that must be met in order to participate in this program. Among others:

• SMEs are not required to have an account on Facebook as a registration requirement.
• SMEs must have 2 - 50 employees
• SMEs have been operating for more than a year and are facing difficulties due to the pandemic situation.

To find out more about whether SMEs meet the registration requirements and information about registering for the grant program, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants

Facebook partnered with Deloitte Consulting and Goodera to review incoming applicants, select SMEs, and distribute grants to selected SMEs.

SME briefing

In addition to providing assistance in the form of funding stimulus, Facebook also organizes a number of free webinars to help small businesses take their business into the digital realm and adapt quickly to face the new normal.

Not only that, SME owners can also join the program Boost with Facebook, where SME players will be able to access various useful things, such as advice from experts and fellow SME owners, and visit Business Resource Hub from Facebook, which includes free online tips, tools and training to help SMEs stay connected to their customers.

The free webinar program can be accessed on the website Free Facebook Webinars where later there will be many useful resources for SMEs who want to take their business into the digital realm.