Scaling up MSMEs needs digitization
There has never been a better time to become an entrepreneur as today
Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion (center in brown coat) emphasized digital technology is making it easier for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to level up their businesses. | Photograph courtesy of Go Negosyo
The trend towards a digital shift favors growth of majority of businesses in the land.
"There has never been a better time to become an entrepreneur as today, when digital technology is making it easier for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to level up their businesses," Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said as he emphasized the role of digitalization.
Concepcion made the statement at the recently concluded Digital Sign Up Now 2022, which was organized to encourage MSMEs in embracing digital transformation. The event was held last October 24 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
"MSMEs benefit immensely from e-wallets, the delivery apps, and social media, which allow them to compete alongside big players. And this is significant for all of us because MSMEs generate more than half of total jobs in the Philippines," he said.
Joining Concepcion at Digital Sign Up Now 2022 were hundreds of MSMEs, 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.
Lending their support were Ambassador Folakemi I. Akinleye of Nigeria; Heather Variava, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in the Philippines; and Undersecretary David Almirol of the Department of Information and Communication Technology.
Organized by Go Negosyo together with the US Embassy in the Philippines, the Digital Sign Up Now 2022 featured a forum with key players in the country's digital landscape, along with 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.
Cu 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), which all gave an overview of the possibilities offered by digital technology and social media.