SM StartUp is set to launch at SM City Bacolod tomorrow, December 29. This program, conceptualized by SM Supermalls, is a nationwide effort to help select Filipino micro and small entrepreneurs catch their break at the biggest mall chain in the country.
At the time of the pandemic, especially during the nationwide enhanced community quarantine, many have tapped into their entrepreneurial side and created side businesses, operating purely from their homes. The unusual situations from last year up to now enabled people of all ages to turn hobbies into something to earn from or share their family’s well-loved recipes to others. And how do these products reach their markets? Online, of course!
The year 2020 was a great year for the online markets to thrive, and still going. On the other hand, there were also people stuck at home but wanting to “eat out” or indulge in mini shopping sprees. The best way to get what they needed, and support small entrepreneurs in the process, was turn to online shopping. Even established artisans and entrepreneurs whose businesses have had to downside or shut down have found ways to continue helping their employees and other communities they support by creating fresh opportunities for their products online.
SM Supermalls has stepped in to help these budding micro microentrepreneurs by offering a space at their malls with a chance to take their enterprise to a mainstream market. Enter the SM StartUp Market, a program to nurture and support small businesses and mentor these owners in their expansions.
The StartUp Market is an opportunity for homegrown brands to level up and take advantage of new opportunities. The selected entrepreneurs will enjoy free marketing and mentorship assistance alongside their booths that the malls have provided in great locations.
In Bacolod City, the StartUp Market is launching on December 29 at the ground floor, north wing of SM City Bacolod, in front of The SM Store. Six (6) entrepreneurs will be featured, covering categories for food and crafts. The products range from practical, to fun and whimsy, and of course, delicious. Each product – food or craft – is a work of Negrense craftsmanship; each MSME entered into the program is 100% homegrown.
Startups nationwide are also getting their big break. Every SM mall will feature their own MSMEs, with the first batch of microentrepreneurs introduced at SM Megamall.
For those of you who have patronized your favorite homebased brands, you might just spot them as an SM StartUp store. Come on over and support these microentrepreneurs aspiring to make it big through SM!
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