The Bank of the Philippine Islands’s (BPI) social development arm BPI Foundation (BPIF) has rolled out its Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab – Business Expansion through Training and Application (SEAL-BETA) in Rizal and five other provinces, in hopes of boosting microenterprise growth and economic inclusion.
In partnership with BPI Direct BanKo and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), the program equipped 370 microbusinesses with intensive training on product diversification, digital payments, costing and pricing, and entrepreneurial finance. In Rizal, these efforts are seen as crucial in supporting barangay-level businesses and stimulating local economic development.
According to the DTI, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprised 99.63 percent of all businesses in the Philippines in 2023, with microenterprises making up the majority at 90.43 percent. BPI’s initiative seeks to empower this segment through both education and market access.
“The potential of our microbusinesses to thrive increases significantly when they receive the right training and support,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF executive director.
The program concluded with a market fair generating P2.25 million in sales nationwide. Entrepreneurs also received grants and booth setup awards to help scale their businesses. As of 2024, BPI Foundation has supported 514 enterprises under SEAL-BETA, further advancing BPI’s mission to promote sustainable and inclusive financial wellness.
