Concepcion sees digitalization as key to scaling up MSMEs

"There has never been a better time to become an entrepreneur than today, when digital technology is making it easier for MSMEs to level up their businesses," said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, as he emphasized the role of digitalization in raising the competitiveness of Philippine MSMEs.

He made the statement at the recently concluded Digital Sign Up Now 2022, which was organized to encourage MSMEs to embrace digital transformation. The event was held last 24 October at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

"The MSMEs benefited immensely from the e-wallets, the delivery apps, and social media, which allowed them to compete alongside the big players. And this is significant for all of us because MSMEs generate more than half of the jobs in the Philippines," he said.

Joining Concepcion at Digital Sign Up Now 2022 were hundreds of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, founders of digital startups, key executives from leading digital technology companies and incubators, experts in the creative industry, as well as young professionals and students in the field of digital technology.

Also lending their support were Ambassador Folakemi I. Akinleye of Nigeria; Heather Variava, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy; and Undersecretary David Almirol of the Department of Information and Communication Technology.

Organized by Go Negosyo together with the US Embassy in the Philippines, Digital Sign Up Now 2022 featured a forum with key players in the country's digital landscape, and learning sessions from digital creatives, fintech experts, e-commerce executives, and some of the country's top social media influencers.

"There's really no excuse to not become an entrepreneur now," said Brian Cu, founder of SariSuki, a community-based retail solution aimed at making essential goods more affordable for ordinary consumers. He was joined in the panel discussion that kicked off the event by startups that offered solutions in small-business management systems (Peddlr), logistics and transport (Angkas), live selling (Shoppertainment), and professional content creation (Tier One Entertainment). The panelists all gave an overview of the possibilities offered by digital technology and social media.

Variava remarked during her speech that because entrepreneurship already presents risks, attention to cybersecurity mitigates that risk. She said that it is a priority of the US government to provide a secure and stable cybersecurity environment, especially for entrepreneurs.

Almirol shared that the Philippine government is eyeing to launch by end-2022 a service that aggregates e-commerce platforms specifically suited to small entrepreneurs. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, meanwhile, also expressed SM's support, saying that 80 percent of its suppliers are MSMEs and that new concepts are often born from small enterprises.

Attendees had their pick from 11 30-minute sessions, while active entrepreneurs received one-on-one mentoring from big-brother companies and digital experts. Attendees were able to sign up for fintech and capital services, and connected with digital market providers who readily assisted them on how to take their products and services online. They were also able to sign up on site for Go Negosyo's Angat Lahat sa Digital Alliance.

Lucky aspiring and active entrepreneurs in attendance also went home with cash to start and grow their businesses.