AS THE pandemic continues to challenge businesses, especially those that belong in the micro, small and medium enterprises, a new e-commerce site aiming to become a bridge between local entrepreneurs and consumers, will soon launch in Cebu.
According to Michelle Padayhag, project consultant, the site is called Tara Lokal, formerly Tara, which was one of the online grocery delivery services in Cebu that started operations in Cebu in April 2020.
“Owners Cebuana architect Janssen Ybanez and Australian businessman Reece John Brauer have decided to help the local business owners in Cebu. So this recent enhanced community quarantine, they decided to shift to a bigger platform,” she said.
Padayhag explained that even though the pandemic closed businesses, it also ushered the beginning of new local businesses in Cebu.
“Most of the local business owners are struggling in finding a platform to promote their startups. So most of them use Facebook as the main tool. Based on our observation, these new local businesses have no support yet, especially in digital marketing and from other delivery applications,” she said.
Because of this, Tara Lokal was born, an e-commerce store conceptualized in Cebu intended for startups and local businesses.
“You can really say that this is made in Cebu,” she said.
Padayhag said they are also in the process of hiring 50 riders as a lot lost their jobs in this pandemic.
Some resorted to online selling and opening their businesses.
“If we just empower local businesses, this will be a good opportunity to help and recover Cebu’s economy which is one of our goals. The reason why I supported this project is that this does not only benefit the local business owners and startups but this will create opportunities and provide jobs to the locals as well,” she said.
Once sellers sign up, Tara Lokal can help them set up their online store and digital marketing for free for a month.
“We can also assist them in terms of efficient and safe deliveries. All riders will observe safety and health measures. Even our delivery bags, these will be thermal bags,” she said.
The registration is free and sellers can send a message on Tara Lokal’s Facebook page and send their business requirements like two valid IDs and contact details. (JOB)