The sustainability of community-based organizations depends not only on institutional capacity but also on members’ ability to build economic independence. This challenge is experienced by a community working on human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome issues and Perkumpulan Pita Merah Jogja, whose members have developed various businesses but still face limitations in business management, digital marketing, product development, and business planning. This community service program aimed to strengthen the capacity of small business actors through a Meaning-Based Empathy approach integrating shared meaning, empathy, solidarity, participatory learning, and social entrepreneurship. The program consisted of needs assessment, meaning reflection, capacity building, collaborative practice, and reflection and commitment, involving 27 participants from eight community groups at the village level, Perkumpulan Pita Merah Jogja, and a supporting partner organization. Training covered entrepreneurial awareness, business management, business planning, digital strategies, branding, packaging, product photography, and social media management. The results indicated improved business understanding, confidence, intercommunity collaboration, and an entrepreneurial orientation combining economic goals with social value. The approach shows potential as a community-based economic empowerment model that integrates technical capacity with social capital.
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