BPI Foundation and BanKo join forces with DTI to support MSMEs

THE BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Trade Training Center-Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), is set to conduct its third run of the training program for small and micro-enterprises (SMEs) in four new regions (Regions II, III, VII, and IX) this 2024.

L-R: Joseph Argente, DTI PTTC-GMEA Trade Industry Development Specialist; Carmina Marquez, BPI Foundation Executive Director; Ma. Fe J. Avila, DTI PTTC-GMEA OIC-Executive Director; Myke Abad, BanKo Head of Physical Channels; and Noel Tiu, BPI Foundation Program Manager.

BPI’s Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab – Business Expansion thru Training Application (SEAL-BETA) is a comprehensive training program designed for qualified microenterprises that seek to rebuild and expand their businesses. The program is also a joint effort with BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of BPI.

SEAL-BETA will offer a combination of training, mentorship, and financial education to help the micro enterprises recover from disruptions caused by the recent pandemic, continue their operations effectively, and explore opportunities for growth.

SEAL-BETA 2023 participant, Zappuro Food Products, participated in the mini trade fair during the MSME Week 2024.

Meanwhile, BanKo will provide accessible loan options tailored to the needs of SMEs to help them become more sustainable and successful. These loans are intended to support various business requirements such as working capital, equipment purchases, and expansion projects.

“As we welcome the third year of SEAL-BETA, we are excited about the many opportunities to support and empower more MSMEs,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director. “Through our collaborative efforts with PTTC-GMEA and BanKo, we are creating a thriving ecosystem where our local businesses can flourish, contributing to economic growth and development of our nation.”

Myke Abad, BanKo Head of Physical Channels, also shared their enthusiasm, saying, “We are proud to be part of this program by offering MSMEs the financial support they need to achieve their business goals. Our mission at BanKo is to make banking and financial services accessible to every Filipino entrepreneur.”

The SEAL-BETA Program is set to begin this August. BPIF, in collaboration with the DTI, will identify qualified microenterprises for the program, who will be contacted directly. Stay tuned for more details through BPIF’s social media pages (@bpifoundationinc) or visit https://www.bpifoundation.org/. (PR)