by Jasper Marie O. Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–A total of six start-ups, or micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) here, have availed of the Startup Market program of SM CDO Downtown Premier as a market platform for them to reach out to the shoppers.
The six MSMEs are on the 5th floor of the mall. They are Thompsons’ Natural, Kiddie Momma PH, Ranna Philippines, Tacos de Amigos, Bake it Right, and Tropiquantes.
During the launching, December 15, Almer R. Masillones, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR) shared that they are happy for the new project launch of SM CDO Downtown Premier.
“This will really complement what DTI has been doing in giving a market platform for our MSMEs. I see here actually MSMEs that have been supported already by DTI through our business development seminars, graduated from the Kapatid Mentor Me program, two of them,” she said.
She also said this will be a good example for the other MSMEs or aspiring entrepreneurs in the area, and that DTI will continue to help micro enterprises develop the skills they need to be successful.
The owners of Kiddie Momma PH, Michael and Catherine Fabello, said their products are made with essential oils and are made to help parents and their kids with things like skin problems and sleep problems, among other things.
“Tanan namo products naa’y (all our products have) essential oils; they are not only effective; they are known to be expensive, but with Kiddie Momma, we make expensive affordable,” she said.
They make balms, healing cream, pain rub, healing sticks, breastfeeding balms, and essential oils, among other things.
Joey M. Tumolva, SM regional operations manager, said this is their way of giving back as an original MSME themselves, saying, “We started as an MSME with Mr. Henry Sy Sr.”
“We are offering the MSMEs the value-added support they need to start their own SM shops,” he said.
The package offers startup friendly rental rates and free use of kiosks, marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure, and financial assistance with BDO among others.
SM has also worked with the government in the fight against COVID-19 through the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), which served more than 6.5 million doses in 71 SM malls nationwide, making it the private entity that has vaccinated the most people in the country. (JMOR/PIA-10)
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