Coastal areas in Indonesia are rich in fisheries and marine natural resources and are an alternative source of income for rural women. Rural women's income and education are critical determinants of sustainable rural development. This study aims to explore the income from rural women’s micro-small businesses in coastal areas, analyse the influence of rural women's education on increasing micro-small business income, and design a model for women’s empowerment.  This study uses primary data, which differs from previous empirical studies. The research method was a survey of 132 female owners of micro and small businesses in the coastal region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, whose raw materials are from fisheries and marine processing products. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with questionnaire instruments. Primary data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, multiple regression methods, and qualitative approaches. This study found that the average income of rural women running micro and small businesses in coastal areas is relatively high. This finding is strengthened by the statistically significant influence of education on rural women's income. The income earned through women's entrepreneurship in micro and small businesses must be balanced with education. This explains that education is crucial for women engaged in micro and small businesses. The model for women's empowerment through synergy-based education, training, and multi-stakeholder collaboration is the ideal approach to achieve sustainable development in rural areas and accelerate the technological innovation and knowledge.