Many people from today’s generation may not have experienced the economic crisis of 1998. Back then, Indonesia, along with other Southeast Asian countries, managed to recover thanks to the contributions of entrepreneurs in the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector.

Those who worked hard to drive the economy forward came from all walks of life. For example, there were casual roadside food tents or kiosks, often run by private employees or even celebrities. These “gaul tents” (trendy hangouts) were usually set up in simple tents along the roadside and operated in the evenings.

Finding Opportunities in Difficult Times

One of the key traits of an entrepreneur is the ability to spot opportunities. For instance, if you read the life story of the shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, you’ll find that in 1923, while working only as a telephone operator, he cleverly saw a business opportunity in trading tobacco leaves.

However, it would be even better if we could create our own opportunities without being forced into it by circumstances, like a monetary crisis.

It’s human nature to often take action only when prompted by dire situations. A simple example: many people only start changing their diet after experiencing symptoms of illness. But if we had chosen to maintain a healthy lifestyle from the beginning, the risk of illness would have been significantly lower. The same principle applies to our financial and economic well-being—by adopting a disciplined lifestyle and actively working to grow our business, we increase our chances of achieving success.

MSMEs: Your Kind of Business

According to data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, by 2021, the number of MSME players in Indonesia had reached approximately 64.2 million, contributing 61.07% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or about IDR 8,573.89 trillion. MSMEs are estimated to absorb up to 97% of the workforce and account for 60.4% of total investment in Indonesia.

It may be called “micro,” but the total value is undeniably massive.

Of course, not everyone is interested in starting their own business. But over time, most people are encouraged to become more independent, especially as they gain experience in a particular field.

For example, a chef who initially works in a restaurant or hotel might advance in their career and later start their own business, backed by their growing reputation in the culinary world. Or a programmer might begin working for a company and eventually build the confidence to launch their own IT consultancy. Often, it's just a matter of time.

What about you? Have you dreamed of being a business owner from a young age? Or are you still exploring what kind of business might be right for you?

Turning a Hobby Into a Business

You can start a business from anything. It could be something trending and popular, or it could stem from a personal hobby or passion. Take Andy Sukma Lubis as an example. He started his career as an auditor but is now better known as a trainer in slide designing. Many companies have used his services, and his passion for sharing knowledge has become the cornerstone of his business.

From stories like these, we learn that the most important capital for starting a business is a strong intention. You can continue doing other things while building mental readiness and deepening your understanding of the field you're passionate about. But when the time comes and you need additional capital to grow your business—how can you prepare for that?

Read::6 Things to Consider Before Applying for an Online Loan

“Lend Me a Hundred First”

This phrase once became quite popular in Indonesian society. It’s a common habit in social settings—borrowing money from friends or peers. Often, this borrowing is for consumptive purposes. For instance, while hanging out, someone might ask a friend to cover them because they don’t have enough money.

But if we’re willing to borrow for non-essential expenses, why not do the same for something as valuable as a business?

Admittedly, business loans are often perceived as burdensome, and not without reason. Many small and medium-sized entrepreneurs struggle to meet the requirements set by financial institutions. Common requirements such as collateral, clean financial statements, and a good credit history often become major obstacles.

In addition, the loan application process itself can be complicated and time-consuming—from gathering documents, filling out complex forms, to undergoing lengthy verifications. Financial institutions usually require supporting documents such as business licenses, financial statements from the past few years, and financial projections. This verification process can take weeks or even months.

For entrepreneurs in urgent need of funds, this complexity can become a major barrier. As a result, many are forced to seek alternative funding sources that may be less favorable or riskier.

Borrowing with Neo Loan

If you have the neobank app on your phone, you’ll find the Neo Loan feature—one of neobank’s standout products. Neo Loan is designed to provide easy access to unsecured business loans for its users. Interested? Take a look at the advantages Neo Loan offers:

Easy Access

Neo Loan offers a fast and easy loan application process. Through the neobank app, you can apply for a loan online without visiting a branch. This makes the process convenient and efficient, helping customers get funding more quickly.

Fast Verification Process

One of Neo Loan’s strengths is its quick data verification. After applying, the app automatically verifies your data and provides a decision shortly after—perfect for those who need urgent funding.

Competitive Interest Rates

Neo Loan provides competitive interest rates, making it an appealing option for borrowers. Bank Neo Commerce aims to offer fair and affordable rates, ensuring borrowers aren’t burdened with high loan costs.

No Collateral Required

Neo Loan is an unsecured loan, meaning no collateral is required to obtain it. This is a huge advantage for those without assets to pledge as security.

Flexible Usage

The loan funds from Neo Loan can be used for a variety of purposes—whether personal needs or business capital. This flexibility allows users to manage the funds according to their needs.

Loan Tenure Options

Neo Loan offers multiple loan tenures that can be tailored to your financial capacity. You can choose a repayment period that best suits your financial situation.

Secure Transactions

Bank Neo Commerce ensures that all transactions through the neobank app, including Neo Loan, are protected by the latest security technology. Customer data is encrypted and safeguarded with multiple layers of security to prevent unauthorized access.

With these advantages, Neo Loan is an ideal solution for those needing a loan that is easy, fast, and secure. This product reflects Bank Neo Commerce’s commitment to delivering innovative and helpful digital banking services for everyone—including you!

Read: Get to Know Neo Loan—A Safe Bank Loan from Bank Neo Commerce

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For complete information and terms & conditions regarding Neo Loan, visit the link https://s.id/webneoloan & if you want to apply for Neo Loan, click the link https://s.id/neoloan

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PT Bank Neo Commerce Tbk is licensed and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Service Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia (BI), and an insured member of Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).