SM Supermalls is committed to helping Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and they’re ramping it up with the launch of StartUp Market at SM City Iloilo on March 4, 2022.
SM StartUp Market is a nationwide effort to help select Filipino micro and small entrepreneurs catch their break at the biggest mall chain in the country.
In his welcome remarks, Mall Manager Eng. Gilbert Domingo said that the program is a tribute to founder ‘Tatang’ Henry Sy, who also started as a small entrepreneur.
“Thanks for the perseverance of our founder Henry Sy, and with the help from family and friends, we’ve grown into SM Supermalls we know today. So as our way of giving we have set up SM StartUp package last October. Through this program, we are offering MSMEs the valuable support they need to start their own SM shops,” Domingo said.
According to Domingo, the program was opened to the first 100 MSMEs digital-based owners who currently don’t have a shot inside the malls or any brick and mortar store. The package offers startups friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge, marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside the malls, financial assistance with BDO, and mentorship from SM experts in operations and marketing.
The StartUp Market will give homegrown brands an opportunity to step up and take advantage of these opportunities to help their businesses grow.
In SM City Iloilo, seven 100% homegrown entrepreneurs will be featured – Oils for You, Greeny Granny, J’s Cookies and Pastry Shop, Pixie Hollow, The Baker’s Kitchen, Aiz Craft Creations and Saigon Brewers. SM Supermalls has stepped in to help these budding micro microentrepreneurs by offering space at their malls with a chance to take their venture to a mainstream market, to nurture and support small businesses and mentor these owners in their expansions.
“We would like to congratulate MSMEs who are inspired to follow the footsteps of Tatang, and grab this once in a lifetime opportunity. As we continue creating programs for our Msmes to enrich and sustain their growth in this pandemic. This is a testament to our commitment to the country; and to you our MSMEs, we are on the road to recovery and we will be with you every step of the way,” Domingo added.
The opening was also graced by Ms. Ruby Melliza, Department of Trade and Industry 6’s OIC-Division Chief of the Business Development Division, and Mr. Fulbert Woo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo.
Melliza delivered the message of DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon, who is in full support of this program of SM.
“We are with you in this endeavor, and thank you for looking also at the welfare of MSMEs nationwide, particularly here in Region 6. We are partners in really promoting the welfare and development of these micro entrepreneurs,” Rascon said in a statement read by Melliza.
SM StartUp Market booths are located at the lower ground floor Northpoint area (near Café Iloilo) where shoppers can check out the various offerings of these entrepreneurs.
