THE SM Supermalls has initiated a program to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In line with this, SM City Clark on Friday, February 11, 2022, launched the StartUp 10 purveyors, including C' Victoria bread and pastries; Caking Giant cakes; Gats Premium Tarts; The Famous Taiwan Pepper Bun; The Good Steward chocolate cookies; Fragments Handicraft; Kinomocha customized learning materials; Cabeza gemstones and crystals; Sulu scented candles; and Mallane earrings.
Engineer Junias Eusebio, SM assistant vice president for North Operations, said SM Supermalls believes in the power, drive and passion of MSMEs.
"Because like them, we started as an MSME. And thanks to the perseverance of our founder, the Mr. Henry Sy Sr or Tatang as we fondly call him and the help he received from family and friends, we've grown into the SM Supermalls we know today," Eusebio said.
SM StartUp Package was set in October 2021 to help MSMEs start their own shops in SM malls, he added.
"So as our way of giving back, we have set up the SM StartUp Package last October. Through this program, we are offering MSMEs the valuable support they need to start their own SM shops," Eusebio said.
SM Supermalls opened the program to the first 100 digital-based MSME owners.
The package offers friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge, according to Eusebio.
The beneficiaries are provided marketing assistance and free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside malls.
The MSMEs are also given financial assistance with Banco De Oro and mentoship from SM experts on marketing and operations, Eusebio said.
"From Clark and Pampanga to Cagayan De Oro and Davao, we will be seeing new concepts and fresh products in 13 SM Malls under various categories. We would like to congratulate the MSMEs who were inspired to follow the footsteps of Tatang ang grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," the SM executive added.