Joey Concepcion (File photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The call to digitalize MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) underlined Go Negosyo’s latest entrepreneur mentoring roadshow “3M on Wheels,” which was held Nov. 19 at Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City.
With hundreds of active and aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance, social media influencers and content creators shared tips on online brand promotion. Aside from one-on-one coaching sessions, the event saw finance service providers introducing the participants to various lending facilities for small businesses.
Other specialists spoke on a variety of topics and business solutions, such as the setup of physical stores, digital platforms, logistics, and digital payment.
“We believe MSMEs will benefit the most from digitalization. Platforms like Lazada have proven to be a natural fit for these small entrepreneurs because they eliminate so many barriers in business,” said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.
SocMed, e-commerce
Social media has even made it possible for entrepreneurs to become their own influencers and promote their brands online, he added.
“The path to greater inclusivity is to enhance digitalization in the Philippines,” he said.
Among the highlights of the show was the participation of Lazada Group CEO James Dong, who talked about how pandemic had changed consumer behavior.
“Think of us as a business that empowers other businesses,” he said of his e-commerce company. Businesses who use the platform automatically get the capabilities of Lazada, such as its national distribution network, payment system, logistics system, customer service, and fulfillment, he added.
During the panel discussions, influencers and digital content creators Edelyn Gonzalvo, Stefanie Lois Garcia, Namy Ulenka and Ayna Cristobal also shared their experiences in marketing products on social media.
Together with the show’s host, The Famous Simply Foods CEO Michael Angelo Lobrin, they showed how platforms like Facebook reels and TikTok had been a tremendous help even for noncelebrities.
Online entrepreneurs, they said, should have patience, consistency, discipline and a clear goal, along with the willingness to continually learn and take lessons from a mentor.
QC gov’t support
Also gracing the event, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte assured the city’s MSMEs of the local government’s support. She cited the Pangkabuhayan QC program and the 100-percent digitalization of the local business permit processing system among the latest efforts to help fledgling enterprises.
Belmonte also announced a new initiative offering P1 million in seed capital to tech startups that will be based in Quezon City.
Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also sent a message of support for Go Negosyo, noting how the movement had grown since it was launched during her presidency.
“Go Negosyo programs, especially the Kapatid Mentor ME and [3M on Wheels] are most relevant now for entrepreneurs as our country strives to get our economy back in shape after Covid and through the global economic impact of the Russia crisis,” Arroyo said. “Entrepreneurship is our best strategy for a post-pandemic economic recovery and eventually for winning the war against poverty.”
3M on Wheels is a Go Negosyo nationwide program designed to assist active and aspiring entrepreneurs. “3M” stands for mentorship, money, and market, conveying the scope of the project.