On November 27, 2023, Grow Digital ASEAN kicked off in the Philippines, with the goal of training up to 4,000 local businesses and entrepreneurs across diverse sectors on how to expand their business online. Hosted by University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Molino Campus in Bacoor City, Cavite, the pilot workshop featured engaging discussions and hands-on exercises on using digital tools in business operations, marketing, and finance.
The diversity of the participating businesses highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, with representatives from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) across various industries including food, retail, logistics, apparel printing, and customer servicing among others. Tailored to the participants’ unique needs, the workshop facilitated an engaging exchange of digital best practices and emerging trends in online business in the Philippines. The participants also had an opportunity to work with mentors to develop their respective business plans which maximize growth in the digital economy in the country and the regional Southeast Asia market.
The next workshops are scheduled in the first half of 2024 and will provide training and mentoring support to up to 4,000 small business owners with a special focus on women entrepreneurs.
The Grow Digital ASEAN pilot workshop in Cavite truly embodied the initiative's inclusive nature, bringing together a diverse array of businesses:
This diversity underscored the far-reaching potential of the Grow Digital initiative, demonstrating its ability to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of a wide spectrum of Filipino entrepreneurs.