Jakarta. Cents of Change Society, an organization founded by Madeleine Nicole Yotoho, has launched a new initiative titled “Creative Business, Smart Budget: The Secret to MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) Innovation.”

At just 16 years old, Madeleine Nicole Yotoho has already emerged as one of Indonesia’s most inspiring young changemakers. Her journey into social entrepreneurship began with a simple yet profound realization: many talented individuals -- especially women and youth -- struggle not because they lack potential, but because they lack access to financial literacy.

Without the knowledge to manage money, budget effectively, or build sustainable sources of income, countless people find themselves trapped in cycles of financial insecurity, where hard work rarely leads to stability. For her, this gap in understanding isn’t merely an economic challenge - it’s a barrier to opportunity, and a better future.

The program’s mission is to empower women and youth to develop innovative business ideas while practicing financial literacy and promoting sustainable development. Running across Cilacap, Jakarta, and West Cikarang, the initiative aims to expand access to business education and inspire economic independence - particularly among underserved communities.

The project also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
● SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive, hands-on entrepreneurship learning opportunities.
● SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality) by empowering underrepresented groups through inclusive business development.

“This program is designed to show that starting a business doesn’t require large capital - what truly matters is innovation, creativity, and financial literacy,” Madeleine Nicole Yotoho, Founder of Cents of Change Society, recently said.

In Cilacap, the program partnered with the Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to educate 200 housewives through practical workshops on creative product design, budgeting, and innovation strategies. These sessions helped participants transform home-based ideas into sustainable business ventures.

Cilacap's Family Welfare Empowerment Organization chairperson Sisma, who inaugurated the event, expressed optimism about its long-term impact.

“We hope this program continues sustainably and helps mothers improve their household income while inspiring local innovation,” said Sisma.

“It’s crucial to help families build economic resilience.”

In Jakarta, Cents of Change Society engaged 100 senior high school students from SMAN 53 Jakarta in entrepreneurship and MSME innovation training, introducing them to business planning and social entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, another 100 junior high school students from SMPN 3 West Cikarang participated in interactive workshops designed to nurture early entrepreneurial awareness and creativity.

“This program plays an important role in developing students’ awareness of creative business and smart budgeting early on,” said Sarifudin, Principal of
SMPN 3 West Cikarang.

The initiative was guided by Imas Mugi Restuni and supported by local government partners, including Cilacap's Department of MSMEs and various school leaders.

Under Madeleine Nicole Yotoho’s leadership, Cents of Change Society continues to integrate education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment to create measurable impact. Since its founding, the organization has:
● Reached over 500 participants across Indonesia.
● Collaborated with local governments, schools, and charities to promote inclusive financial education.
● Inspired women and youth to launch micro-enterprises and adopt innovative, sustainable business practices.