Strong MSME engagement sets the stage for SM Supermalls’ 2026 programs

Philstar.com

January 27, 2026 | 11:48am

Nationwide malls drive MSME upskilling, growth and sustainable enterprise

MANILA, Philippines — Building on strong MSME momentum in 2025, SM Supermalls is entering 2026 with a renewed and sharped focus on empowering Filipino entrepreneurs, leveraging its nationwide mall network to create tangible growth opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Through its SM for MSMEs program, SM Supermalls empowered 920 new MSMEs and start-ups in 2025, with nearly 10% successfully transitioning into regular mall tenants through kiosks, counters or in-line stores nationwide.

Since its enhanced rollout in March 2024, the program has supported 2,288 unique MSMEs, providing real-world platforms where entrepreneurs can test, refine and scale their businesses.

In 2025 alone, 28,761 MSME booth activations were mounted nationwide, driven by a growing consumer demand for locally made, experience-led products across food and beverage, beauty, wellness and lifestyle categories.

Honoring MSME excellence

The annual SM for MSMEs Wall of Champions recognized outstanding MSME awardees and finalists whose businesses demonstrated exemplified resilience, innovation and community impact—serving as a tribute to Filipino entrepreneurship and its vital role in nation-building.

“The private sector has a role to play in enabling the future growth of the MSME sector,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls. “Supporting the grassroots economy is a long-term commitment we intend to uphold.”

“SM is like a big brother to smaller businesses like us,” said Euclid Cezar, president and CEO of Famous Belgian Waffle and a 2025 Medium Enterprise finalist. “Being recognized motivates us to expand, innovate and bring our products to more communities.”

Nation-building through partnerships

From learning summits and curated markets to large-scale trade fairs, SM Supermalls worked closely with key partners including the Department of Trade and Industry, Go Negosyo, media organizations, trade fair organizers and MSME exhibitors to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs nationwide.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, MSMEs account for 99.63% of businesses and 66.58% of total employment in the Philippines, underscoring their critical role as the backbone of the national economy.

Major 2025 highlights included the DTI National Food Fair, Negros Trade Fair, Women Strong Trade Fair by WomenBizPH, VIYLine MSME Caravan and the Go Negosyo MSME Summit 2025, which energized the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall with mentorship sessions and business insights, highlighted by Francis Kong’s talk, “Now and Next: The Trends in Business for MSMEs.”

Leveraging its nationwide footprint, SM Supermalls expanded regional trade fairs and themed marketplaces across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, bringing high-visibility platforms closer to local communities and advancing more inclusive, region-led growth.

Kicking off 2026 with strong MSME partnerships

To start 2026, SM Supermalls—together with government agencies, media partners and trade fair organizers, will host and support a new slate of MSM focused events.

The Silk Events Bazaar will take place from Jan. 28 to Feb. 10 at SM La Union. It's a curated lifestyle and artisan market offering MSMEs extended exposure in a tourism-driven destination.

As SM Supermalls moves into 2026, SM for MSMEs continues to evolve as a scalable growth platform—transforming participation into opportunity and opportunity into sustainable enterprise for Filipino entrepreneurs nationwide.

Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by SM. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.