Digital training for MSMEs

AS THE market moves to the digital space, micro, small and medium enterprises need digital tools to elevate their products to the global market.

Facebook data for May 2018 showed over 50 million Filipinos are connected to a Facebook page on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and approximately 130 million people overseas are also connected to a Philippine-based SMB on the platform.

“It’s important for businesses of all sizes to be able to adapt to trends that are shaping our new digital marketplace,” Chay Saputil, client partner of Facebook Philippines, said.

Facebook invited more than 100 Cebubased entrepreneurs to an accelerator workshop at the Quest Hotel and Conference Center for in-depth discussions on online marketing, branding and media planning.

Saputil said online consumers now engage with business owners through their smartphones.

“We are committed to supporting businesses in their digital transformation journey to unlock growth opportunities and connect them to today’s mobile-first Filipinos,” Saputil said.

The social media platform has provided digital skills training since 2017 and trained over 5,000 SMBs in 21 cities across the country.

It has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry and Bayan Academy to launch #BoostYourBusiness for budding entrepreneurs and empowered women to go into business with their #SheMeansBusiness campaign.

“There’s never been a time when the path to market has been the shortest, and this has actually amplified growth. That’s something we’re seeing and when we talk about connecting the world. What better way to connect the world than to give small businesses the power to reach out to the people that they need to reach?” Saputil said.

One of the entrepreneurs who benefited in the workshop in Cebu was Jackie Morales, owner of Digital Printing PH, who closed their physical print shop in 2011 and went fullydigital.

For Morales, going online means dealing with customers not only in Cebu but also in other parts of the country.

“When you have a greater reach, there’s a high chance that you’re going to earn more profit since your customers can easily engage with you,” she said.

With Facebook, Morales said her business has grown since her clients know how to reach her. (JOB)