The Backbone of a Nation: How SM Supermalls is Engineering a New Era for Filipino Entrepreneurs

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In the heart of the Philippines’ economic landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place, powered by the hands of local artisans, food innovators, and visionary creators. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of the country, accounting for a staggering 99.63% of all businesses and providing 66.58% of total employment. Recognizing this critical role, SM Supermalls has moved beyond being a mere marketplace to becoming a "big brother" and a scalable growth engine for the grassroots economy.

A Year of Unprecedented Momentum

As the calendar turned to 2026, SM Supermalls looked back on a year of explosive growth. In 2025 alone, the SM for MSMEs program empowered 920 new MSMEs and start-ups. This wasn't just temporary support; nearly 10% of these participants successfully transitioned into becoming regular mall tenants, securing permanent kiosks, counters, or in-line stores.

The scale of this engagement is breathtaking:

2,288 unique MSMEs have been supported since the program’s enhanced rollout in March 2024.

28,761 booth activations were mounted across the nation in 2025.

High-impact events like the Go Negosyo MSME Summit 2025 and the VIYLine MSME Caravan—where digital stars like Cong TV brought online communities into physical marketplaces—have redefined how local brands reach their audience.

Real Stories, Real Growth

The impact of these programs is best seen through the eyes of the entrepreneurs themselves. For Euclid S. Cezar, President and CEO of Famous Belgian Waffle, SM's support is a powerful motivator to "expand, innovate, and bring our products to more communities". Similarly, brands like Alamanga and Rainbow Scoops have used the MSME Hubs to bring local flavors directly to the community, proving that with the right platform, small businesses can truly thrive.

These success stories are celebrated annually at the SM for MSMEs Wall of Champions, an event that honors the resilience and community impact of those who are building the nation one business at a time.

The Road Ahead: 2026 Kick-off

SM Supermalls is not slowing down. With 89 malls nationwide, the company is leveraging its massive footprint to push opportunities beyond Metro Manila and into regional hubs. The start of 2026 is already bustling with activity:

DTI Region IV-A Coco Festival Food Fair (Jan 14–20): Highlighting coconut-based products at SM City San Pablo.

Philstar Nakakalokal Bazaar (Jan 16–18): Showcasing Visayas and Cordillera craftsmanship at SM Seaside City Cebu.

The Silk Events Bazaar (Jan 28–Feb 10): A curated artisan market at SM La Union designed to capture the tourism-driven market.

A Legacy of Empowerment

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

As SM celebrates 40 "Super Years", it continues to evolve alongside the Filipino entrepreneur. By providing market access, mentorship, and a platform for innovation, SM Supermalls is ensuring that the dreams of today's MSMEs become the sustainable enterprises of tomorrow.