Tag: MSMEs

  • DTI has Launched the Shared Service Facility for the Expansion of the Ilocos Norte MSME Incubation Center

    DTI has Launched the Shared Service Facility for the Expansion of the Ilocos Norte MSME Incubation Center

    Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, June 11, 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, has launched today, the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for the Expansion of the Ilocos Norte MSME Incubation Center (IN-MIC) to boosts local economy.

    According to DTI, the ₱3.5 million project—funded and facilitated by DTI—provides ICT tools, exhibit materials, and office equipment to strengthen support for local entrepreneurs. The upgraded center will offer enhanced co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and exhibit equipment to serve more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

    Photo Credit: DTI Ilocos Norte

    The event was graced by Hon. Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Hon. Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, DTI Region 1 Regional Director Merlie D. Membrere, and DTI Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Amelia E. Galvez.

    DTI mentioned also that this initiative reflects continued commitment to boosting the local economy and empowering MSMEs through innovation, enterprise development, and strong local partnerships.

    REFERENCE: DTI Ilocos Norte

    iamDTIph

    BagongPilipinas

    SharedServiceFacility

  • Iskaparate.com Organizes Fundraising Drive to Aid Bicol Typhoon Victims

    Iskaparate.com Organizes Fundraising Drive to Aid Bicol Typhoon Victims

    In response to the devastating effects of the recent typhoon that struck Bicol, Iskaparate.com, the pioneering e-commerce platform for supporting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has launched a fundraising campaign to help affected families and communities.

    Iskaparate.com has partnered with two trusted organizations with long histories of supporting Filipino communities in times of crisis, Angat Buhay Foundation and Simbag sa Pag-Asenso Inc., to provide an urgent and straightforward response to the critical needs of the situation.

    Customers can easily send their contributions by purchasing gift checks of a certain amount directly on the platform. The total funds raised through these gift checks will be managed by Angat Buhay and Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, who will use the accumulated proceeds to deliver food, clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities, directly to relief centers in Bicol.

    To kickstart the fundraising drive, Iskaparate.com made its own gift check purchase followed by its marketing arm, DTC Promos Inc.

    In line with the platform’s founding mission of providing support to entrepreneurial mothers and local businesses, Iskaparate.com aims to make this campaign not only a critical relief operation but also an opportunity for locals to come together during hardships. This initiative isn’t only to rally local support but for Filipinos abroad who wish to give back and lend a hand despite the distance.

    If you wish to donate, simply visit the website and order a gift check.

    For more information, visit www.iskaparate.com.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • CITE DTI-NCRO & BCC-MPC’s Online Training Session on Digital Marketing

    CITE DTI-NCRO & BCC-MPC’s Online Training Session on Digital Marketing

    Center for Innovation and Technology Enterprise (CITE) Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)-National Capital Regional Office (NCRO) has partnered with Barangka Credit Cooperative – Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BCC-MPC) to host an online training session entitled “Digital Marketing” that was held on August 17, 2024. The session was led by Ms. Florlynn B. Dela Peña, an experienced business consultant, certified PCE-GO Negosyo Mentor, and a frequent resource speaker for the Department of Trade and Industry.

    The online training session has focused on competitive strategies in the business world in relation with the advancement and challenges of technology for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including start-up entrepreneurs, to enter and stay relevant in the market.

    According to DTI, “The online training has benefitted nearly a hundred participants, including aspiring entrepreneurs and representatives from various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The session promoted active participation, highlighting the importance of digital marketing in today’s business environment, exploring various strategies, and addressing the potential risks involved. As the discussion progressed, participants became increasingly engaged, asking questions, and sharing suggestions and recommendations with their fellow attendees. This collaborative interaction highlighted the success and purpose of the session.”

    In general, the participants learned about the Distinctions between Digital Marketing, E-Marketing, and Social Media Marketing; How to incorporate Digital Marketing into one’s business; and social media in business marketing.

    I participated the online training session on Digital Marketing as part of my continues training and education that is relevant in the market of the diverse business digital landscape in the community, this day.

    Supported by Bagong Pilipinas and DTI’s SME Roving Academy (SMERA). SMERA is a continuous learning program for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in the domestic and international markets.

  • Three Shopee Sellers Gear Up for 9.9 Super Shopping Day to Scale their Business

    Three Shopee Sellers Gear Up for 9.9 Super Shopping Day to Scale their Business

    MSMEs demonstrate that e-commerce is for everyone in Shopee.

    The current global situation brought about significant lifestyle changes: more people are working from home, consumers are shopping online for their convenience, and business owners are transitioning to online and e-commerce platforms to stay afloat. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, shares three sellers who found success online with Shopee and how they are preparing for the much-anticipated 9.9 Super Shopping Day.

    Obra Ni Juan: Supporting Employees and their Families

    Obra Ni Juan, a local clothing store, halted their operations inside a leading mall when the pandemic hit. They decided to shift to online selling to continue their business, launching their Shopee store last June 2021. Obra Ni Juan started to make their products available to a bigger and wider audience while continuously generating sales even with their physical stores being closed. “Because of Shopee, our employees are able to continue providing for their families despite these trying times.”

    They are content with the Shopee Seller experience as Shopee provided them with an assigned Incubation Manager who guides them through the onboarding process and supports them in maximizing the different tools they can use to increase sales and foot traffic. With 9.9 approaching, Obra Ni Juan says, “We are bolstering our stocks for our existing products and we have been continuously preparing new items and designs to offer to our Shopee customers. We will also utilize other Shopee marketing incentives such as free Shopee Ad Credits; which leads to clicks that are converted to actual sales and continue to utilize the available marketing tools to scale our business.”

    Cleanstar: Building Customer Loyalty

    Cleanstar is a one-stop shop for all dental floss needs that supplies affordable, innovative, and high-quality dental floss pick products. During the early stages of their business, they saw Shopee as an opportunity to extend their reach. “By regularly attending the online webinars organized by Shopee and accessing helpful resources on educational hubs, we managed to set up our Shopee online store. The key is utilizing everything that Shopee offers and to just be consistent in what you are doing.”

    Cleanstar leverages Shopee Live and In-App Business Insights the most. “Through Shopee Live, we can discuss our product line to our customers and also educate people regarding oral health which helped us gain more followers. Through In-app Business Insights, we also get to monitor the overall performance and health of our store through data and inform us on which aspects we can improve on, and allows us to reply to customers’ feedback about our products. It’s really humbling to see the growth in our follower numbers, and how they give feedback every time they order.”

    With the number of orders they were receiving, Cleanstar eventually decided to hire a team just for fulfilling Shopee orders. This coming 9.9, Cleanstar is preparing its stocks early to fulfill orders without the hassle. They also put up ads on the site to improve the visibility of the products.

    Martipaps Gift Shop: Increased Daily Orders

    Martipaps Gift Shop started selling on Shopee in 2016. They sell various kinds of toys from building blocks and toy cars to mini kitchen sets and pop-up tent playhouses. In the past, they used to do meet-ups and pick-ups, but it took up too much time. “The time spent on doing meet-ups was transformed by selling on Shopee because of its free shipping and Shopee guarantee. A door-to-door cash-on-delivery service where buyers can feel at ease with their purchase. Martipaps saw an increase in sales as they managed to save time on doing meet-ups to focus on managing their store on Shopee.”

    Ever since joining Shopee, her orders grew from one shipment a day to about 100 packages daily. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to try being a Shopee seller. “Start small. Start from the things you love, because if you love what you are doing you will never get tired of it. You will look for more exciting things, improvements, and additions to make your shop better. Utilize all the tools that Shopee offers – they are like helping hands that can support us to succeed in the online selling business.”

    Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

    The Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day is one of the much-anticipated sales of the year. Aside from cost-saving deals, Filipinos can enjoy added rewards and convenience by going cashless with ShopeePay. It is an all-in-one e-wallet that shoppers can use to Buy Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. This September 9, users can enjoy exclusive ShopeePay promotions such as up to 50% cashback on bills payment; up to 50% off on mobile load; and ShopeePay ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and many more.

    For more deals this 9.9 Super Shopping Day, visit https://shopee.ph/m/99

    Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

    REFERENCE:

    Pao Oga

    Shopee | Marketing | Public Relations (Media Relations)

    Mobile: +63 917 650 1835 (Viber/Whatsapp)

    Address: 15F Asian Century Center (ACC) Building, 27th St. Corner 3rd Ave. BGC, Taguig 1634

  • Shopee and Unilever Say Yes to Equal Opportunities and Continue its Support for Local Sellers through its Positive Beauty Campaign

    Shopee and Unilever Say Yes to Equal Opportunities and Continue its Support for Local Sellers through its Positive Beauty Campaign

    Mano Amiga sellers share how Shopee and Unilever helped them grow their businesses.

    As more Filipinos shift to online shopping for their daily necessities, many businesses are also turning to digital platforms to widen their reach and establish a strong online presence – especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To cater to the growing number of online sellers, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues to partner with organizations to support MSMEs who are looking for better opportunities in e-commerce.

    In 2020 Unilever and Mano Amiga, a non-governmental organization that advocates for community transformation and inclusive growth through education, first partnered with Shopee for their Beauty That Cares Campaign, to offer assistance to 25 micro-entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, Mano Amiga sellers gained a strong understanding of e-commerce and learned how to maximize the digital space’s full potential. Sellers had access to monetary funding, entrepreneurship training programs, and Shopee’s e-commerce tools to help them expand their reach. Two Mano Amiga sellers share how Unilever and Shopee supported their business growth:

    Janette Lagundi of JTL Trading (https://shopee.ph/alexandermoses_0503

    For Janette Lagundi, a mother of two, it was tough when she first started her online business. Despite having no prior entrepreneurship experience, she decided to start selling cleaning products and home decor items such as Himalayan salt lamps, to get her family through the pandemic. She admitted that it was difficult for her to adjust to selling on e-commerce platforms as she was not very tech-savvy.

    Through learning the ropes at Shopee, Janette saw her business thrived. “Because of Shopee, not only are my sales increasing, my store is also gaining better recognition through plenty of promotions. I learned a lot about selling online through the training programs and masterclasses. I am determined to explore more opportunities on e-commerce, and I’m glad that Shopee and Unilever helped me adjust and adapt amid the pandemic,” she said.

    She added that the support from Shopee and Unilever helped her family immensely. “This business is my bread and butter and I feel more confident in growing my business because I am more competent now. Because of this opportunity, I can provide for my children.” 

    Cecilia Comia of C plus D Design (https://shopee.ph/designbycplusd

    Cecilia Comia used to run a food business and even designed her own food stalls, but due to the pandemic, she had to shut down her food business and focus on selling decal stickers and labels instead. “We started our business in 2018 with a passion for good design and we wanted people to appreciate and see how small design details can change an entire product or experience,” she said. The strategy shift, although promising, posed some obstacles. “The competition is tough online. Reaching a wider audience and achieving effective customer engagement are both constant challenges. We are still struggling when it comes to establishing our business. The prices of our competitors are tough to match,” she added.

    Shopee and Unilever provided her with the much-needed support. “Unilever’s program connected us with Shopee. It gave us an edge in terms of knowledge in selling online. Unilever’s financial assistance also helped us with our cash flow and allowed us to increase our stocks and improve our equipment.” 

    To support the transition and growth of MSMEs in the digital landscape, Shopee partners with Unilever once again to give MSMEs a spotlight at their Yes to Positive Beauty Sale this May 17 to 19, 2021. The campaign is part of Unilever’s renewed purpose and commitment to bring about positive change through real actions – to do more good, not just less harm, for people and the planet. 

    Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are proud to partner with Unilever to support a cause that aims to uplift the lives of local sellers and their loved ones. Shopee believes that every Filipino entrepreneur can succeed in e-commerce as long as they have the right tools, opportunity, and platform. We will continue to collaborate with brands like Unilever to support the local communities, their livelihood, and their families.”

    Dorothy Dee-Ching, Vice President for Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever Philippines, said, “Yes to Positive Beauty is a movement for all Filipinos to champion a new era of beauty and personal care that’s inclusive and sustainable. As the number one beauty and personal care company in the country, we acknowledge the part we play in being a force for good, and Yes to Positive Beauty encompasses our commitment to do this through our brands. This includes championing for equal opportunities, which we have been able to do through our continued partnership with Shopee and Mano Amiga, as well as lending a helping hand to MSMEs, especially those greatly impacted by the current crisis.”

    To provide consistent support for the sellers, Shopee’s relationship managers worked closely with them to create irresistible discounts to attract more customers, and also assisted them in mapping out advertisements for their products via social media. With the sale happening in just a few days, both sellers are preparing to stock up on their inventory to meet the expected increase in demand. To support sellers like Cecilia and Janette, check out the Yes to Positive Beauty Sale this May 17 to 19, 2021. 

    For more information about Unilever’s Beauty That Cares campaign, visit https://shopee.ph/m/unilever-super-brand-day

    Shop, buy load and pay bills with ShopeePay. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

    REFERENCE:

    Paulo Oga
    PH Marketing | Public Relations, Media Relations

    Mobile/ Viber/ Whatsapp +63 917 650 1835

    Address 15F Asian Century Center, 27th St. corner 3rd and 4th Ave., BGC, Taguig, PH 1634