SM Supermalls and Go Negosyo have expanded their joint livelihood initiative to help bridge the gap between employment and entrepreneurship for local communities.

The partnership’s latest “Trabaho at Negosyo” event, held at SM City Bataan, drew about 400 aspiring entrepreneurs, small-business owners and job seekers. The program combines job fairs, corporate mentoring, business education and government services in a single location.

Organizers said the initiative aims to create an economic ecosystem where employment and entrepreneurship support each other.

“When we empower entrepreneurs, we create opportunities not only for individual success but for entire communities,” said Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion III, founder of Go Negosyo.

“Every thriving MSME has the potential to generate jobs, inspire innovation, and help build a stronger Philippine economy,” he added.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, represent the vast majority of businesses in the country.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the role of public-private partnerships in scaling these small businesses.

“MSMEs remain the backbone of the Philippine economy,” Roque said. “Through strong public-private partnerships, we can provide entrepreneurs with greater access to opportunities, knowledge, and markets that will help them grow.”