Facebook Conducts Digital Skills Training for Cebu-Based Entrepreneurs

Social media giant Facebook conducted an Accelerator Workshop on May 31 at the Quest Hotel and Conference Center in Cebu City. The workshop was attended by over a hundred Cebu-based entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to gain knowledge on best practices of online marketing, and branding.

According to Facebook Philippines, businesses that embrace digital world are growing at incredible rates.

“It’s important for businesses of all sizes to be able to adapt to trends that are shaping our new digital marketplace. We are committed to supporting businesses in their digital transformation journey, to unlock growth opportunities and connect them to today’s mobile-first Filipinos,” said Chay Mondejar-Saputil, Client Partner, Facebook Philippines.

In the Philippines alone, over 50 million Filipinos are connected to an SMB Page on Facebook. Approximately 130 million people living outside of the Philippines are already connected to a Philippines-based SMB on the platform.

Wider reach of customers through digital marketing

“The shortest path to market is now the fastest path to growth,” said Saputil. A survey of SMBs showed that 91% said the platform helps them attract customers, 86% were able to sell their products in other cities, or countries, while 82% said they have increased sales because of the platform.

The survey also showed that 73% of SMBs said they were able to hire more people since joining Facebook, and 60% said they have built their businesses on Facebook.

Saputil added that a study by We Are Social indicated that Filipinos spent up to 10 hours a day online, mostly via phones.

Empowering SMBs with #BoostYourBusiness

Facebook PH started its digital skills training programs for SMBs in 2017 and has trained over 5,000 SMBs in 21 cities. Facebook partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bayan Academy to launch #BoostYourBusiness for aspiring entrepreneurs and #SheMeansBusiness together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and non-profit organization Connected Women.

“We are glad to be working with Facebook in helping create inclusive, innovation-led growth for Philippine SMBs. 99.6% of businesses in the country are SMBs and they are the backbone of the Philippines economy. Together with Facebook, we will continue to empower SMBs as their success ultimately translates into more jobs and economic opportunities for Filipinos,” said Ma. Elena C. Arbon, OIC Assistant Regional Director, Department of Trade and Industry, Region 7.