Why public-private partnerships are more important than ever for Filipino MSMEs
How SM Supermalls and the Department of Trade and Industry are creating many ways for entrepreneurs to grow
Starting a business has never been easier. Growing up alone is still a real challenge.
As more Filipinos – especially young entrepreneurs – turn their ideas into businesses, the conversation shifts from encouraging entrepreneurship to creating the right conditions for MSMEs to grow further.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)account of MSMEs 99.6% of all businesses are registered in the Philippineswhich makes them the backbone of the country’s economy. Yet despite their important role, many continue to face the usual obstacles – limited market access, low business visibility, and the challenge of expanding beyond their initial customers. These are challenges that neither the government nor the private sector can solve alone.
Increasingly, meaningful partnerships between the private and public sectors are proving to be one of the most effective ways to help entrepreneurs move beyond survival to sustainable growth. In the middle the strongest of all examples are long-standing partnerships between Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) again SM Supermallstheir joint commitment has opened up more opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs through trade shows, learning sessions, training opportunities, and business development programs under SM for MSMEs system.
In the first half of the 2026 onlySM Supermalls supports more than 600 new MSMEs per month DTI-led trade shows and partner events cross country. In addition to providing market opportunities, the partnership has helped entrepreneurs to obtain accurate customer information, strengthen product awareness, validate products in real market conditions, and prepare for long-term business growth. To date, 90 participating MSMEs have transitioned to regular SM employers.
According to the DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, Today’s entrepreneurs need more than one time intervention to succeed. “Successful MSME development requires an ecosystem that includes market access, capacity building, training, and continuous growth opportunities. Public-private partnerships allow us to bring these things together, creating an environment where entrepreneurs can build strong and competitive businesses.”
Because SM Supermallscreating opportunities means looking beyond the retail space. By using the SM for MSMEs programentrepreneurs gain access to one of the country’s largest retail networks, allowing them to introduce their products to millions of consumers, understand customer preferences, build strong products, and gradually grow their businesses using real-world market knowledge. “Entrepreneurship does not stop when a business is opened — it grows with continuous opportunities,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President of Marketing at SM Supermalls. “Through SMMEs, we help entrepreneurs go beyond selling products. We create ways for them to understand their customers, strengthen their products, build confidence in their business, and take the next step in sustainable growth.” The partnership also reflects a shared understanding that helping entrepreneurs succeed requires a collaborative approach.
While DTI equips MSMEs with building strength programs, counseling, and business Development plans, SM Supermalls complements these efforts by providing market access, business visibility, customer engagement opportunities, and strategic partnerships that allow entrepreneurs to translate learning sustainable business growth. Together, these programs help create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs are supported at all different stages of their journey – from start-ups testing new ideas to growing businesses ready to grow into permanent retail outlets.
As businesses continue to evolve, the relationship between the government and the private sector will become increasingly important for sustainability Filipino entrepreneurs have access not only to opportunities – but also to networks, knowledge, and support systems they need to succeed. Because when MSMEs grow, communities prosper. And when communities prosper, the nation becomes stronger.
Together, DTI and SM Supermalls show that empowering MSMEs is not about creating sales opportunities all at once – it is about creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can continue to learn, grow, and scale.
Spotlight is a BusinessWorld-sponsored feature that allows advertisers to grow their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld website. For more information, send an email to [email protected].
Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA for more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld articles and receive exclusive content www.bworld-x.com.
