Bank Saqu is sharpening its focus on a group that increasingly shapes Indonesia’s creative economy: women who turn personal passions into businesses. The bank argues that creative ideas can open the door, but disciplined financial management is what keeps those businesses alive.
That message was at the center of its forum, “Built by Her: Turning Passion Into Power in The Creative Industry,” held with IdeaFriends. The discussion framed women entrepreneurs not only as participants in the creative ecosystem, but also as builders of businesses that need structure, cash flow control, and long-term planning to grow beyond the initial idea.
Women are becoming a stronger force in MSMEs
Bank Saqu pointed to the broader role of women in Indonesia’s business landscape. Around 64.5% of MSME players in Indonesia are women, according to the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, and many of them operate in sectors connected to the creative industry.
That presence matters because creative businesses often start small, sometimes from a hobby, a simple idea, or personal experience. As those ideas develop into sources of income, their impact extends beyond the individual business owner and into local economic activity.
Digital technology has also helped widen the path for women to enter and sustain business. It has made market access easier and given entrepreneurs more flexible business models that can be adjusted around daily routines.
Creativity needs financial discipline to last
Bank Saqu’s main point is simple: a strong idea is not enough if the business cannot manage money properly. Cash flow tracking, financial records, and timely financial decisions determine whether a creative venture can survive in the long run.
Willy Apriando, Head of Corporate Communication & Marketing Bank Saqu, said the combination of creativity and sound financial management can produce more sustainable businesses in Indonesia. The point is especially relevant for solopreneurs, who often handle every part of the operation on their own.
For that group, financial literacy becomes a practical need rather than an abstract concept. Without clear money management, businesses built on enthusiasm can struggle when operational costs change or when spending is not separated from business income.
Why support for solopreneurs matters
Bank Saqu said about 40% of its customers are solopreneurs, which explains why the bank is pushing solutions designed for independent business owners. Women in the creative industry are among the groups that can benefit most from that kind of support.
One of the bank’s highlighted initiatives is Solopreneur Academy, a program that provides both education and networking for business owners. The goal is to help them manage businesses in a more structured way, especially in the area of finance, which is often the biggest challenge.
Participants have pointed to practical changes after learning to separate personal and business money. Liya Tsabitah said that using features such as Saku Nabung and Saku Transaksi helped her organize cash flow more clearly and improve business progress.
Sylvia also emphasized the importance of reading cash flow carefully and understanding business costs. Her view reflects the same message Bank Saqu wants to promote: creative strength must be matched by financial discipline if a business is expected to grow steadily.
Features aimed at different stages of business
Bank Saqu is also offering tools that match the different needs of businesses at different stages. Tabungmatic is designed to help build a saving habit, while Saku Kredit supports financing needs, and Bank Saqu Bisnis is aimed at companies with more complex management requirements.
This range is meant to position the bank as a financial partner from the earliest stages of a business through expansion. The approach reflects a basic reality of entrepreneurship: the financial need of a new business is not the same as the need of a business that is already growing.
At the start, discipline matters most. As the business develops, transaction volume and access to funding become increasingly important, and Bank Saqu says its services are built to respond to that shift.
For women working in the creative sector, the message is that sustainability depends on more than talent. With stronger financial habits and the right support system, their businesses have a better chance to remain stable, expand, and contribute more consistently to the wider economy.