SM StartUp Market at SM City Bacolod Features Local MSMEs

SM StartUp Market was launched yesterday at SM City Bacolod. This program, conceptualized by SM Supermalls, is a nationwide effort to help select Filipino micro and small entrepreneurs catch their break in these trying times. Where can they better startup but at the biggest mall chain in the country? SM Malls are helping microentrepreneurs with how to start up in this new normal by giving them a big break.

The SM StartUp Market

At the time of the pandemic, especially during the nationwide enhanced community quarantine, many have tapped into their entrepreneurial side and created side businesses. Many have been 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. Moreover, they are able to share their family’s well-loved recipes with 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. This is how established artisans and entrepreneurs whose businesses had to downsize or shut down have found ways to help their employees and other communities. They are able to do this by creating fresh opportunities for their products online.  

In this regard, SM Supermalls has stepped in to help these budding micro-entrepreneurs by offering them a space at their malls. This opportunity will give MSMEs 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.

What’s in Store?

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 the booths that the malls have provided in great locations.

In Bacolod City, the StartUp Market was launched on December 29, on the ground floor, north wing of SM City Bacolod. There are just in front of The SM Store. Six (6) entrepreneurs were featured, spanning 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, with each MSME entered into the program guaranteed as 100% homegrown.

The SM Startup Market program nationwide is also getting its 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 home-based brands, you might just spot them as an SM StartUp Market. Come on over and support these microentrepreneurs aspiring to make it big through SM!