#Indonesia #Digital Business #ILO #Evermos #Bandung

Evermos and ILO: Empowering Vulnerable Groups through Entrepreneurship Training in Indonesia

In an inspiring initiative aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for vulnerable groups in Indonesia, Evermos, a Bandung-based reseller platform, has teamed up with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This collaboration seeks to deliver essential entrepreneurship training designed primarily for individuals with disabilities and returning migrant workers, allowing them to thrive in the realm of digital business.

The Current Landscape

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), as of early 2025, the labor force participation rate for persons with disabilities was a stark 20%, significantly lower than the approximate 70% for individuals without disabilities. This gap highlights a pressing need for initiatives that promote inclusivity and economic empowerment.

A Vision for Change

Iqbal Muslimin, Chief of Sustainability at Evermos, emphasized the importance of digital business as a means to dismantle barriers that hinder economic access. He remarked, “We see digital business as a bridge to lower the barriers to economic access for persons with disabilities and returning migrant workers.” With minimal initial capital and the mere use of a mobile phone, this model enables individuals to establish a sustainable income source independent of traditional job constraints.

The Initiative and Approaches

The partnership is part of the ILO project's Promise II Impact, which aims at refining MSME access to financial opportunities and has been active since 2023. Evermos contributes by providing a comprehensive digital business ecosystem, including a reseller platform and a curative range of halal products, alongside training and mentorship programs. Conversely, the ILO offers a framework focused on decent work principles and financial literacy, equipping participants with the requisite skills for successful entrepreneurship.

As of this year, over 230 beneficiaries from various regions have experienced positive impacts from this project. For instance, in March 2026, a digital entrepreneurship training session was conducted for migrant workers in Cirebon, West Java. A parallel program took place in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, catering to persons with disabilities, including those supported by various organizations and associations. During these sessions, participants learned how to select products for sale via the Evermos app, apply digital marketing strategies, and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset that encourages financial growth.

Digital Skills for Sustainable Living

The training offered participants hands-on experience with tools like WhatsApp Business, which acts as a stepping stone to launching their digital enterprises. Complementing this, the ILO team introduced basic financial management principles to ensure that participants make sound decisions in running their new businesses.

Arip Tirta, President of Evermos, added: “For us, digital transformation becomes meaningful when it reaches vulnerable groups, those furthest from the information they need to empower themselves economically.” By facilitating entrepreneurship through digital means, Evermos wants to demonstrate that everyone, including individuals with disabilities or returning migrants, can start a business with nothing more than a smartphone.

Inspiring Change through Collaboration

The conclusion of the training marks not an end, but rather the commencement of a new journey for these participants as they embark on the path of digital entrepreneurship. Djauhari Sitorus, Project Manager of Promise II Impact, stated, “Three years of experience have shown that when vulnerable groups gain access to the right skills, technology, and mentoring, they are able to create economic opportunities for themselves.”

The Evermos and ILO partnership serves as a prime example of how collaborative efforts can stimulate inclusive economic growth. With aims to encourage vulnerable populations to become active players in Indonesia's economic landscape, this initiative promotes the idea that digital entrepreneurship is a viable escape route from poverty—a fundamental step towards a more equitable society.

About Evermos

Founded in November 2018, Evermos has emerged as a pioneering reseller platform linking a distribution network with commerce services and halal products. With a mission to uplift underserved communities, Evermos offers ongoing business training and mentorship to its resellers. Now boasting over 1 million resellers across Indonesia, Evermos continues to strive for a future where everyone has the means to succeed regardless of their background.