SM Supermalls continues its commitment to empower and enrich the growth of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by building a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation. "MSMEs are our local partners in generating value across all the communities we operate in," says Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls. "With 99.
59 percent of the local economy composed of MSMEs, the persistence and vibrancy of local trade as well as the generation of jobs on the micro, small, and medium scale hinges on their success." In line with this, SM Supermalls continues to implement various programs and plan opportunities for MSMEs to grow their customer base through the vast network of SM malls in the country. With 67 percent of its tenants being MSMEs, these programs empower entrepreneurs by providing them with accessible and affordable prime retail spaces in SM's high foot traffic malls, as well as helpful packages to support their growth.
Marketplace for success "Because SM has been an established brand for over three decades, perhaps people have forgotten that we started out as a small enterprise ourselves," said Tan. "Our own experience emphasizes the value in supporting our MSMEs and has given us valuable insight we can use to further support this crucial sector in line with the government's efforts." Last May, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) introduced the fourth iteration of the national MSME Development Plan, geared to reduce operational costs and elimina.
