Each year, PLDT Smart SME Nation, in partnership with Go Negosyo, recognizes local business titans whose stories of success embody perseverance and continuous innovation. This group of valuable Filipino business owners, dubbed “Bossings,” serve as inspiration for start-up entrepreneurs. Last October, PLDT Smart SME Nation took it to the next level and celebrated the first-ever #BeTheBoss Awards Night, which brought to light a new breed of entrepreneurs who utilized the advantages of digital tools and platforms to grow their business. Fifteen #BeTheBoss finalists were recognized as leaders of revolutionary change in the country’s digital economy with the help of technology for their business.
Last March 10, Go Negosyo, PLDT Smart SME Nation’s longtime partner in facilitating a nationwide movement towards innovation and creative entrepreneurship, organized the Mentor Me Innovation Forum at the Enderun Tent, Taguig City. Over 800 participants from the micro, small, and medium enterprise sector (MSME), the youth sector, the academe, and other aspiring young entrepreneurs came together to immerse themselves among some of the best innovators and enablers of the country.
Carlo Calimon of MobKard, who was hailed as the first Boss for Mobile Readiness in last year’s #BeTheBoss Awards, delivered a plenary talk that focused on different kinds of innovation barriers and how to overcome them effectively.
The last forum of the day featured multi-disciplinary innovation from different fields, and PLDT Smart SME Nation’s Bossing Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech, along with Boss for E-Commerce Kim Lato of Kimstore, Boss for Social Media Jason Magbanua, Boss for Social Responsibility Krie Reyes-Lopez of Messy Bessy, and #BeTheBoss finalists Gian Javelona of OrangeApps and Bryan McClelland of Bambike all took part in sharing best practices on topics such as service development, operation processes, and innovative business models.
By working together with partners committed to equip MSMEs with opportunity to make it big in business, PLDT Smart SME Nation further empowers the Filipino business owner to compete on a global scale. PLDT Smart SME Nation shares Go Negosyo’s vision of empowering more Filipino entrepreneurs to take the leap of faith and engage in business, as well as continuing to provide avenues to keep the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit alive.