SNACKS HELP IMPROVE FAMILY'S INCOME

2003 is an unforgettable year for Mr. I Made Riarta. The needs of the family increase, yet there were no income due to his Termination of Employment, his wife and him decided to begin a business he was never imagined before, snack business.

Constrained by limited capital, this man who lives in Senapahan Kaja Sub-Village Banjar Anyar Village, Kediri, started his business with a capital of Rp. 20.000, - which was just enough to buy 5 packs of raw crackers which he then fried and packed into small pieces to be marketed in several 3-5 stalls that surround his home.

When he heard about Maha Bhoga Marga Foundation (MBM) programs of business assistance, along with some friends they invited MBM staffs for its promotion until eventually formed a group called Sumber Kasih with the expectations the group became a place to share the love for the members and the community around in developing economy. Through an agreement with MBM, the group finally got the business capital for IDR 20.000.000, -. Mr. Made group received a loan of IDR 5,000,000 to increase their capital. This simple looking man was also diligently followed the training undertaken by MBM. Now his business has developed, now there are about 25 types of snacks. Marketing is also increasingly widespread not only around the house, with a total marketing venues around 40 more or less which has became his permanent customers. The average profits are IDR 300.000, - per day. Besides, to fulfill the economic needs of the family, Mr Made has now been able to make a saving.

With the increase demand, the constraints faced today are the limitations in the delivery services because he is still using motorbike especially during the rainy season. At the end of the story Mr Made hope that MBM can continue to support him and in the near future he really want to receive training on how to manage waste. "Keep on going Mr. Made, and do not despair, because MBM will continue to support you".