Go Negosyo mentorship roadshow highlights digitalization for MSMEs

MANILA, Philippines — Digitalizing MSMEs was the highlight of Go Negosyo’s latest entrepreneur mentoring roadshow, 3M on Wheels, held yesterday at the Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City.

Nearly 700 entrepreneurs were mentored, as social media influencers and content creators were on hand to share tips for successful online brand promotion, with hundreds of active and aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance.

“We believe that MSMEs will benefit the most from digitalization. Platforms like Lazada have proven to be a natural fit for these small entrepreneurs because they eliminate so many barriers for them in business,” said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.

He added that social media has even made it possible for entrepreneurs to become their own influencers and promote their brands online.

“The path to greater inclusivity is to enhance digitalization in the Philippines,” Concepcion said.

One of the show’s highlights was James Dong, Lazada Group CEO, who noted how the pandemic has changed consumer behavior in the country.

He assured the audience that online shopping giant Lazada will always be present to help active and aspiring entrepreneurs do business.

“Think of us as a business that empowers other businesses,” he said.

Social media influencers and digital content creators Edelyn Gonzalvo, Stefanie Lois Garcia, Namy Ulenka and Ayna Cristobal shared their experiences, as well as some tips about marketing products on social media during a panel discussion at the event.

All but one of the panelists started recently, and began as amateurs on social media. They shared with host and The Famous Simply Foods CEO, Michael Angelo Lobrin, that platforms like FB reels and Tiktok are a tremendous help because they are effective in promoting even non-celebrities.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte graced the event and expressed her support for the city’s MSMEs. “This is the spirit of bayanihan,” she told the audience in Filipino.

She said that the city is also doing its share to help its MSMEs through its Pangkabuhayan QC program and the 100 percent digitalization of its business permit processing.

In addition, Belmonte announced the offering of P1 million in seed capital to tech startups based in Quezon City.

Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also sent her message of support, expressing pride in how Go Negosyo, which began during her term as president, has grown.

“Go Negosyo programs, especially the Kapatid Mentor ME and [3M on Wheels] are most relevant now for entrepreneurs as our country strives to get our economy back in shape after COVID, and through the global economic impact of the Russia crisis,” she said. “Entrepreneurship is our best strategy for a post-pandemic economic recovery and eventually for winning the war against poverty.”

3M on Wheels is Go Negosyo’s highly successful on-ground, nationwide program for active and aspiring entrepreneurs.

3M stands for Mentorship, Money and Market, and reflects the wider scope of entrepreneurship assistance it now offers entrepreneurs.