As part of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2024 initiatives, the Cebu MSMEs Solutions Expo 2024, held from August 16-17 at the SM Seaside City Cebu, concluded with resounding success, empowering entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in the region with a focus on its thriving Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in partnership with SM, the expo welcomed a multitude of attendees and featured 35 exhibitors from various industries namely banking and financial institutions, tourism and hospitality, real estate developers, telecommunications, construction and fit outs, logistics, and government agencies.
The 2-day event kicked off with an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting graced by Ms. Marissa Fernan and Mr. Anton del Prado of SM, CCCI President Jay Yuvallos, CBM 2024 Overall Chairman Regan Rex King, CBM 2024 Entrepreneurship Chairman Brigette Garcia-Alegado, and the Cebu business community.
Alongside the opening was the panel discussion with the representatives from renowned exhibitors from 2Go Group, Lalamove Cebu, Airspeed International Corp., PLDT Enterprise Visayas, Alliance Software, Inc., Prime Software, Republiq Group of Companies, and Xeleqt AI. The discourse staunchly commenced the event imprinting noteworthy insights into the latest trends and innovations in logistics, IT, and technology while highlighting a myriad of complex challenges particularly in business operations while offering a variety of convenient solutions addressing concerns which affect MSMEs.
Acknowledging the significant role of MSMEs in the local economy, Mr. Regan Rex King, VP for Cebu Business Mobilization and CBM 2024 Overall Chairman, stated that MSMEs are the “innovators and job-creators” in Cebu, while referring to them as “the lifeblood of our economy.” He further emphasized that the event is a dynamic platform for collaboration and innovation.
Furthermore, CCCI President Jay Yuvallos disclosed that there are 99% of MSMEs in the Philippines, with 65% employed under these enterprises.
Thus, making them a key player in stimulating jobs in the local economy. He also added that, “MSMEs play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development” and that MSMEs are not only sources of innovations but are also major contributors to GDP growth.
Day 2 was dedicated to the Meet and Match allowing business leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives to connect with like-minded individuals, forge partnerships and linkages through engaging in different circles. A total of 45 representatives from various companies participated in the Meet and Match in partnership with BNI, FilCeb Club, City of Talisay Chamber and CCCI Bogo Chapter.
Moreover, the presentation from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on their programs and services such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) which facilitates and improve the competitiveness and productivity of the following sectors: food, agriculture, ICT, metals and engineering, furniture, marine and aquaculture, health and pharmaceuticals, enterprise development trainings (non-food), consultancy services, laboratory testing services, food product development as well as packaging and labelling.
For more information, please feel free to call the chamber at 232-1421 to 24 or visit https://cebuchamber.org/
