MSME Licensing Assistance Strategy: Efforts to Promote Legality and Business Growth

This study aims to analyze licensing assistance strategies for MSMEs in Bima City as an effort to promote legality and business growth, while also identifying the obstacles faced by MSMEs in obtaining permits. The research method used is empirical legal research with a sociological approach, legislative approach, and comparative approach utilizing primary data through interviews and observations of MSMEs as well as secondary data in the form of laws and regulations and related literature. The results show that the majority of MSMEs in Bima City do not have a Business Identification Number or other business permits due to a lack of understanding of procedures, perceptions of high costs, limited digital literacy, and minimal technical assistance. Effective assistance strategies identified include the establishment of an MSME Licensing Clinic, a licensing fee subsidy program, mobile socialization of "MSMEs Go Legal", partnerships with universities, and providing access to financing. The novelty of this study lies in the proposed holistic, community-based and cross-agency assistance model that combines technical assistance, education on the benefits of legality, and inclusive use of digital infrastructure. This model not only helps accelerate permit issuance, but also opens MSMEs access to markets, financing, and empowerment programs, thereby contributing to sustainable regional economic growth. Keywords: licensing assistance; business licensing; MSMEs; business growth, bima city.