The Program Mahasiswa Wirausaha (PMW) — Student Entrepreneurship Program — is a prestigious national program that supports student entrepreneurship with mentoring and funding. Winning 1st place as a solo participant was one of the most validating achievements of my journey as a developer-turned-entrepreneur.
The Business Idea
My proposal centered on a web services business — offering website development, SEO optimization, and other digital solutions to local businesses and individuals. The core insight was simple: many SMEs in my area needed a professional online presence but had no idea where to start or who to trust.
I positioned myself as a one-stop solution: from designing and building the website, to optimizing it for Google search, to maintaining it long-term.
Services I Offered
- Website Development: Custom, responsive websites built with modern technologies — fast, clean, and mobile-friendly.
- SEO Optimization: On-page SEO, technical SEO audits, and content strategy to help clients rank on Google.
- Digital Consultation: Helping clients understand their online presence and what to improve.
Why I Won
Competing solo was a challenge, but it also meant clarity. The judges saw a focused, viable business with real market demand and an entrepreneur who had already started executing — not just planning.
- Real portfolio: I came in with actual past projects and client results, not theoretical projections.
- Clear target market: Local SMEs who needed websites but couldn't afford large agencies.
- Realistic financials: My revenue model was straightforward and believable because I had already been doing it.
The Takeaway
PMW taught me that being a great developer isn't enough — you need to communicate value clearly, understand your market, and run your work like a business. Today I apply that mindset to every project I take on as a freelancer.