PLDT, partners launch SME e-commerce enabler
PLDT, Inc. and its digital innovations arm, Voyager Innovations (Voyager,) together with entrepreneurship advocate Go Negosyo yesterday partnered to help local micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSME) engage in e-commerce.
The partnership supports the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiative to equip more than 100,000 MSMEs with digital solutions by 2020.
PLDT SME Nation and GoNegosyo will provide the three “M’s”— specialized business training and mentorship, access to wider Marketplaces through technology and an online selling platform, and finally, Money — access to funding and capital to jumpstart their business.
"We are committed to help SMEs become more globally competitive through digital services and solutions,” stressed PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “This partnership will contribute to government’s programs to improve the lives of people by promoting digital entrepreneurship.”
Through more than 750 Negosyo Centers nationwide, local businesses can participate in Go Negosyo’s Mentor Me program which has been expanded to include training in setting up and managing online stores through Tackthis!, the online store builder of Voyager.
This platform also provides small enterprises with the logistics capability to deliver goods to their online buyers. Once online, MSMEs can reach a wider market nationwide through Takatack (www.takatack.com), Voyager's virtual marketplace.
Business owners can gain ready access to capital and financial support through Voyager’s digital lending platform Lendr, which helps MSMEs apply for various loan offers from participating banks and lending institutions.
The program will also equip merchants to accept mobile cashless transactions through PayMaya QR, which provides their customers a seamless payment experience via QR (quick response) code technology while at the same time eases the burden on cashiers and front-counter agents.
“The enablement program covers much of what business owners need to ready themselves in expanding their operations and putting up a presence in the online market space,” noted Go Negosyo Founder, Joey Concepcion.
“We empower business owners to establish their global presence online with the latest available technology,” according to PLDT & Smart Communications Inc. Chief Revenue Officer and ePLDT President & CEO, Eric Alberto.
“We also help them optimize their business potential and enhance their market competitiveness through selling and fulfilling transactions using these readily deployable innovative platforms.”
"Through this program, MSMEs across the country can acquire new skills and capabilities that will enable them become successful players in the fast-emerging digital economy,” Orlando B. Vea, President and CEO of Voyager and PayMaya Philippines added.
In line with this, Voyager launched its “DigiHub” initiative last December under its Voyager DX program to establish a center of excellence facility for digital platforms that entrepreneurs and MSMEs can use to start or grow their businesses.
PLDT and Go Negosyo have been longstanding partners in promoting the development of MSMEs. Both have collaborated extensively to provide services, facilities and training to boost economic activity of local communities and regional hubs.