International Journal of Business and Quality Research
Vol. 4 No. 03 (2026): July - September, International Journal of Business and Quality Research (IJBQ

The Role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Enhancing the ‎Economic Well-Being of Low-Income Communities: A Case Study in Curio Village, ‎Curio District, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi

Nurlativa Beta Beta (Universitas Muhammadiyah Enrekang, South Sulawesi)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Aug 2026

Abstract

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a strategic role in community economic development, particularly in increasing income, creating employment opportunities, and promoting the empowerment of low-income communities. This study aims to analyze the role of MSMEs in improving the economic well-being of low-income communities in Curio Village, Curio District, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors affecting their development. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study method. Research data were obtained through observations of MSME conditions in Curio Village and an examination of various aspects related to community economic empowerment through MSMEs. The findings indicate that MSMEs play a significant role in enhancing community economic well-being by increasing household income, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic self-reliance. The presence of MSMEs provides alternative sources of income for community members who previously depended on agriculture and irregular employment. Furthermore, MSMEs generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities through the involvement of supporting sectors, including raw material suppliers, trade, and distribution services. However, the development of MSMEs continues to face several challenges, such as limited business capital, inadequate managerial capacity, suboptimal utilization of digital technology, restricted market access, and insufficient business mentoring. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that MSMEs are an essential instrument for the economic empowerment of low-income communities in Curio Village. Strengthening MSME capacity through improved access to financing, enhancement of human resource quality, product innovation, effective utilization of digital technologies, and continuous business support is necessary to enable MSMEs to achieve sustainable growth and make a greater contribution to improving community welfare and promoting inclusive rural economic development.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJBQR

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

International Journal of Business,and Quality research (IJBQR) is a high quality open access peer reviewed research journal. providing a platform for the researchers, academicians, professional, practitioners and students to impart and share knowledge in the form of high quality empirical and ...