The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna Provincial Office, in partnership with SM City Santa Rosa, formally opened the SM Start-Up Market under their Start-Up Program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A total of six Laguna MSMEs participated in this kickoff event on 24 February 2022. This Start-Up Program aims to provide our MSMEs with multidimensional opportunities as they reach a wider market.

During the launch, the SM City Santa Rosa Management briefly introduced the startup package and conveyed their appreciation to DTI Laguna for helping them reach out to these MSMEs. Moreover, DTI Laguna Provincial Director Clarke Nebrao congratulated the six Laguna MSMEs who were granted this startup program and further encouraged them to pursue entrepreneurship despite the pandemic. “Malay niyo, kayo na ang mga susunod na milyonaryo ng Laguna,” Nebrao added. Also, City of Santa Rosa Administrator Atty. Leonardo Ragaza, in behalf of the City Government of Santa, expressed his gratitude to DTI Laguna and SM City Santa Rosa for this collaborative effort to help our MSMEs bounce back after the pandemic.

The six Laguna MSMEs were Spoonful Delights (flavored flan, cakes, and pastries), Palmes Sumang Tamales (suman and tamales), Kakaw Galleon (chocolates), Habbe Tailoring Shop (ecofem pads), Felt Soph Fun (handmade fashion accessories), and Binibini Co. (handwoven nylong bayongs and bags).

By joining the SM Start-Up Package, these MSMEs were given the assistance in opening their brick-and-mortar shops. The package offers start-up-friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge and marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside malls.♦

Date of Release: 16 March 2022