Empowering local SMEs via the Internet

Recognizing the strategic advantage offered by the Internet, more small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines are turning to this medium as marketing and communications tool. However, local information and communications technology providers that focus on SMEs remain few and far between.

PDB SME Solutions, a company set up by the country’s largest private development bank, Planters Development Bank (Plantersbank), in partnership with the World Bank’s International Finance Corp. (IFC), aims to bridge this service gap.

"Our goal is to empower the Filipino entrepreneur and bring him a new world of opportunities using development and communications technology," says Norberto Belen, chief executive officer of PDB SME Solutions Inc.

The fusion of Plantersbank’s extensive knowledge of the SME market with the resources of IFC in this information technology and business solutions company aims to enhance business networking and community building among entrepreneurs through the SME.com.ph membership program.

"Being a member and having our website linked to SME.com.ph has kept us in the ballgame," says Jacque Ruby, general manager of the Philippine-based World Link Couriers.

He adds that their membership enables WLC to close a business deal with a foreign client online. "We hope to be more competitive in the industry through this program," he adds.

The SME membership development program and its related site, www.sme.com.ph, offer a triad of helpful and valuable propositions, according to Belen.

First, the business connection side enables companies to trade with SME entrepreneur-members and link up with trade associations and businesses outside the country. Second, the business promotions angle helps members avail themselves of publicity via print media and the Web. Lastly, a suite of business solutions includes tips and toolkits, business applications like accounting, sales, inventory, human resources and marketing as well as exchange deals and discounts.

Figlia, marketer of a popular ladies shoe brand, another member of SME.com.ph, attest to this advantage. "We gained new local and international clients through Figlia’s membership in SME.com.ph. It is an opportunity not many SMEs get to avail themselves of because they’re not in the loop," says Figlia owner Jose Enriquez.

Winner of the 2001 Asian Banking Award for E-Commerce Service, the SME.com.ph program counts over 300 member-entrepreneurs.