MANILA, Philippines - Unlike large and medium-sized companies, “minigosyos” or micro-businesses, have very limited resources and thus need all the help they can get to be able to successfully run their businesses. In fact, with challenges brought about by the ever-changing economic landscape, only 1% to 2% of micro-businesses in the country are able to progress into SMEs.
It is thus good news that PLDT, through KaAsenso, has proactively sought to help aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with the right tools and programs that will help them become sustainable and profitable enterprises.
Patrick Tang, PLDT Vice President and Head of HOME Voice Solutions, said, “Telecommunications and Internet technologies play bigger roles in helping businesses cope and succeed. This is true not only for large enterprises, but also for micro-businesses. PLDT further aims to bridge the digital divide by bringing the benefits of communication technologies to minigosyantes through affordable KaAsenso packages that drive business success.”
Pillars of minigosyante success
Aiming to be every Filipino minigosyante’s communications and information partner, PLDT KaAsenso offers customized services that are built on three pillars—Connect, Boost and Extras—designed to cover the said group’s every business need.
Under the CONNECT pillar, businesses, especially start-ups, are provided with reliable landline and internet connections perfect for helping them build a strong foundation for their minigosyo. The Call Net Package, for instance, provides unlimited local calls, unlimited high-speed internet, and free long distance calls to any PLDT landline anywhere in the country, allowing minigosyantes to establish clear and close communications with their partners and customers.
Services under BOOST, on the other hand, are for the more established minigosyos looking to expand or improve their operations. The Minigosyo Booster Package – the star of which is the Quad Core Telpad unit, the only online landline – allows minigosyantes to multitask easier and more efficiently with free local and long distance calls, landline features, high-speed internet, plus useful business content and apps downloadable via Google Play.
EXTRAS, meanwhile, provides additional earning opportunities through Cyberya, a high-profit, low-maintenance mini-internet café package that allows operators to offer internet for as low P1 for every minute of surfing. For an initial capital of as low as P7,300, minigosyantes can avail of the all-in-one start-up package with high-speed internet, a complete PC set, and free Cyberya merchandising materials.
Minigosyante mentor
Notably, PLDT KaAsenso recently named its newest minigosyante mentor, well-known restaurateur and TV personality Chef Rolando Laudico, more popularly known as Chef Lau. As a KaAsenso mentor, he serves as a resource person for important business tips and advice.
“Choosing what business to pursue may be instinctive – based on gut feel. But achieving business success takes a lot more than guesswork,” Tang added. “You need to research and prepare, and talk to people who have been there like Chef Lau. It also helps a lot to have access to the right resources and support for your minigosyo to prosper. This is what we, at PLDT KaAsenso, wish to provide the Filipino minigosyante – tailor-fit business services and programs aimed at propelling your endeavours to success.”