SM Investments : inclusive growth puts MEs at the heart of its operations

From left: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual; Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.; Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy; Go Negosyo Founder Jose Ma. Concepcion III; SM Investments Corporation Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon.

(1 September 2023, Manila, Philippines) Every time an MSME succeeds, it helps the country's economy.

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), one of the leading conglomerates in the country, recognizes this potential as it continues to provide growth opportunities to its MSME partners across its core businesses: retail, property, and banking.

With over 99% of business enterprises operating in the Philippines listed as micro, small, and medium enterprises, the opportunity for growth posts so much potential.

Joey Concepcion III, founder of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo, notes the important role of both the government and the private sector during a panel discussion at the 2023 National MSME Summit held recently.

"The integration between government and the private sector will create a faster car," said Mr. Concepcion. "Crucial to this are our big brothers in retail, agriculture, and many others. I am glad that many of our big brothers are taking an active role to embrace MSMEs into their value chain."

Serving MSME partners

True to this cause is SM Supermalls, which has 68% of its tenants belonging to the MSME sector. Additionally, SM's role as a marketplace for over 90,000 MSMEs helps its communities navigate the changing landscape of modern retailing.

In terms of financial support, SM extended additional funding to MSMEs through its banks BDO Unibank Inc. and China Banking Corporation. The two banks combined accounted for over PHP62 billion in outstanding loans to MSMEs in 2022.

SM StartUp Market, one of SM's MSME support initiatives recently launched its second batch of new businesses that joined the program in SM City Fairview earlier this year. The first batch of these budding enterprises launched in October 2021 to help online businesses set up their first physical stores. The package comes with start-up-friendly rates and the use of kiosks or carts free of charge.

During the panel discussion at the MSME Summit, SM Investments Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson exchanged views with fellow leaders from both the public and the private sector namely: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.; Go Negosyo Founder Jose Ma. Concepcion III; Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy; and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George Barcelon.

SM's Vice Chairperson noted the importance of working together when asked how MSMEs are integrated into the company.

"Starting as a small enterprise ourselves, we recognize MSMEs as a driving force for innovation," she said. "They are the ones who bring new ideas, new concepts, new offerings to the consumers. That's why we remain committed to supporting the growth and empowerment of MSMEs."