MSME Empowerment Strategies through Islamic Cooperatives: A SWOT and QSPM Approach

Zainuddin Harahap (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan)
Saparuddin (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan)
Maryam Batubara (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan)

Al-Kharaj: Journal of Islamic Economic and Business
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2026): Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): All articles in this issue include authors from 3 countrie

Purpose: This study analyzes MSME empowerment by Koperasi UMKM Syariah Sumut and identifies priority strategies consistent with Islamic economics and Maqasid al-Shariah. Methods: A descriptive qualitative case study used interviews, observation, documentation, and strategic questionnaires, supported by IFE/EFAS, SWOT/TOWS, the IE Matrix, and QSPM. Eleven informants participated. Results: The IFE score was 2.59 and EFE score 2.75. SWOT coordinates (.71; 1.13) placed the cooperative in Quadrant I, while the IE Matrix placed it in Cell V. QSPM prioritized sharia-based business mentoring (STAS 6.95), followed by digitalization (6.80), Islamic financial literacy (6.65), strategic partnerships (6.12), and halal-local product development (5.39). Implications: Financing is more empowering when integrated with continuous mentoring, institutional strengthening, digital monitoring, and Maqasid-oriented outcomes. A contextual 6P empowerment model is proposed.