More than an e-wallet: GCash equips MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy

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GCash, the Philippines’ number one financial super app, empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take on opportunities and navigate through the digital economy through its fintech solutions.

A local market vendor in Baguio benefiting from GCash’s effective fintech solutions

“This MSME month, GCash underscores its key role in helping businesses in the country level up through our extensive suite of digital financial services. From affordable lending for business expansion; business insurance to protect their assets and operations; as well as cashless transaction tools to help them reach more customers – GCash is evolving to becoming more than an e-wallet,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

GCash offers GLoan which provides instant cash loans to kickstart business goals; and GInsure, through Negosyo Insure of its partner, Malayan Insurance, to protect hard-earned investments. Business owners can also enjoy seamless payment experiences with Scan-To-Pay, enabling easy QR code payments offline.

Easy access to loans for entrepreneurs

GLoan boasts of an easy application process as it considers users’ in-app behavior to provide them with pre-approved loans. Eligible users can easily access GLoan and use the funds to start or expand their business.

35% of GCash’s borrower base are business owners and it’s looking at providing 1.5 million more informal sellers with lending solutions to help grow their business.

Business Protection made affordable and accessible

GCash also understands that starting businesses may be risky, that is why the super app has made available, via GInsure, Negosyo Insure, underwritten by Malayan Insurance and powered by Igloo. For as low as PHP525 per year, MSMEs can be assured of secure and insured business operations for accidents that may happen to them, their property, and even their money.

GInsure can easily be accessed through the GCash app, with minimal requirements and steps for processing.

Additional income made easy via GCash PO

GCash has also created a way for sari-sari store owners to grow their business by earning as much as Php 50,000 per month, through commissions or bonuses earned as a GCash Pera Outlet (PO). This not only enables small businesses to grow, but also helps locals have a convenient one-stop-shop in their communities so they may avail of GCash’s services such as Cash In, Cash Out, Pay Bills, and Send Money.

Signing up for this has been made simple in the GCash app - all one has to do is click “GCash PO” under business services on the GCash dashboard, fill up the application form and submit along with business registration. Approval will be released within five (5) to seven (7) business days.

“In line with our mission to achieve 'Finance for All', we make sure we are able to pave the way for our MSMEs to meet their business goals. To date, we are empowering 845,000 small-scale community merchants from public market vendors, to sari-sari store owners, and tricycle driver associations,” added Reyes.

Gigacover: Bringing insurance closer to MSMEs through insurtech

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Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 99.6% of business in the Philippines, employing around 63% of the country's workforce. Despite its significant contribution to the economy, MSMEs often lack insurance, leaving both employers and employees vulnerable to risks in times of emergency.

This is not to say that MSMEs do not care for insurance. A recent study by Manulife found 36% of small business owners in the Philippines found medical, health, or accident insurance a top priority among financial products. Entrepreneurs in this sector are interested in financial protection products but find them unaffordable and complex.

Gigacover, a regional insurtech firm, shared insights on the fundamental ways technology can change traditional insurance for MSMEs, including tailored-fit digital policies that are more affordable and simple to use.

Rise of digital insurance offers competitive protection for the underinsured

Digital insurance can pave the way for more accessible and affordable policies. These solutions can be more adaptable to the demands of MSME workers and offer reduced premiums by providing coverage for a particular need and making distribution entirely online.

Insurtechs are also better equipped to develop insurance products that are not being addressed by insurers for several reasons, including lack of data for risk assessment, bureaucratic structure, and regulatory constraints, among others. For instance, as ride-sharing and car-sharing businesses flourished, motor accident risks increased. Gigacover’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) product suite helps drivers reduce accident liabilities, improving their financial security.

Seamless management of insurance in unified platform

Customers don't always know when to use insurance products, therefore MSMEs should review their policies on a regular basis to make sure they are valid when the time comes. Analyzing existing policies will also help entrepreneurs better understand new uncovered risks as the business scales up.

However, basic tasks such as reviewing benefits, claims filing, and other processes conventionally require assistance from insurance agents. Gigacover helps companies better administer their insurance through online applications where key processes such as viewing policy information and editing subsidy caps can be done to help businesses act more quickly on their needs. The technology behind it plugs in insurers, lenders, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) into the unified platform for easy access and administration.

Simplifying claims settlement through AI and big data

One of the most innovative ways insurtech is disrupting the insurance industry is by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help insurers analyze big data and identify risks quickly and accurately. As a result, risk assessment and management strategies become smart and impartial.

Gigacover’s system is able to extract data from claims documents and images, calculate and check against limits, detect potential fraud and also decide if advance claims payouts can be done for specific customer groups. This yields higher client satisfaction and also lower loss ratios for the insurers.

Amerson Lin, Co-Founder and CEO of Gigacover, shared, “By addressing the complexity and high costs associated with insurance, we make insurance more accessible to more Filipino MSMEs. We champion financial inclusion for MSMEs because protecting the vulnerable workers in this sector from health and income risks also financially protects the company, enabling MSMEs to grow sustainably and contribute to improved economic development.”

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About Gigacover

Gigacover was founded in 2017 in Singapore to build digital insurance programs for emerging segments. These include the gig/freelance industry, the mobility sector and now tech companies. Gigacover launched the region's first income protection insurance to meet the needs of the gig economy and then collision damage waiver for the mobility industry. Through technology and data, Gigacover automates distribution, administration and generates insights for risk management in order to bring flexible, affordable and portable benefits to its users. As of 2023, Gigacover has presence in Singapore and the Philippines and is backed by Vectr Fintech Partners, Quest Venture Partners, Alto Partners, M Venture Partners and Farsight Capital.

For more information, please visit: https://gigacover.com

Shopee onboards aspiring MSMEs from the Aeta Community in partnership with Angeles LGU and the Clark Development Corporation

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Shopee Philippines Seller Coach Mik Baluyot, Ultra.insthink! shop owner Antolin Macapagal, HobbyKornerPH shop owner Heron Dimabuyu, Clark Development Corporation CSR & Placement Division Manager Herbert Angeles, and Secretary to the Mayor of Angeles City Raffy Angeles

With its mission of making e-commerce more accessible for Filipinos across the country, Shopee partners with the local government unit (LGU) of Angeles City and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to engage and onboard local entrepreneurs from the Aeta community in Pampanga through its nationwide initiative - Shopee University Roadshow. Aspiring and current entrepreneurs from the Aeta community learned how they could sell their products on the platform and will soon be able to sell their handicrafts and traditional products, such as flutes, bird whistles, and coin banks, to a nationwide audience.

“Through this Shopee University Roadshow, our MSMEs will reach a larger market and wider audience to introduce their very own products. Thank you for this opportunity, Shopee, for giving a bridge for our local businesses,” shared Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin.

Ed Pamintuan, Chairman of the Clark Development Corporation, said “Everything that we do drives back to our main mission of driving growth and modernization for Clark City. We are grateful that our partnership with Shopee has given our Cabalens, most especially our Aeta brothers and sisters, the support that they need to jumpstart their online selling journey.”

Local entrepreneurs from the Aeta Community

“We are honored to partner with Angeles City and the Clark Development Corporation in our shared mission of supporting local businesses. It is incredibly humbling to be part of the e-commerce journey of our local MSMEs. We will continue to make e-commerce accessible for all with more iterations of the Shopee University Roadshow and Shopee Kumustahan,” shared Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines.

Shopee Philippines Seller Coach Mik Baluyot, Hola Decor shop owner Donald Manalo, and Smart Snail shop owners Carrie and Laurence Sanchez

The Shopee University Roadshow is a masterclass that educates MSMEs nationwide on how to bring their businesses online and onboard into Shopee. The masterclass equips sellers with the necessary tools and knowledge to generate more sales and grow their buyer base. Meanwhile, the Shopee Kumustahan engages Shopee sellers in a casual gathering for them to learn online selling tips and tools through an exchange of their experiences, insights, and advice.

This marks the third iteration of the Shopee University Roadshow and the Shopee Kumustahan, following successful runs in Davao City and Cebu. Through both events, Shopee furthers its commitment to support the growth of MSMEs and help all Filipinos benefit from digitization, wherever they may be.

If you’re interested in growing your business online, kickstart your e-commerce journey with Shopee today. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

foodpanda’s outstanding small vendors hailed as Panda Local Heroes

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 In this new normal, many businesses have moved towards digital channels in order to better serve their customers – and ultimately survive. Many have enlisted the help of online food delivery platforms, and small businesses have especially benefited from the added reach and exposure that these platforms provide. Some of these small shops have even gone on to become very successful ventures, inspiring countless other entrepreneurs. 

Recognizing the potential of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is leading online quick commerce platform foodpanda, which recently awarded its first-ever set of MSME Panda Local Heroes, which include home-based online shops and local mom-and-pop stores, showing outstanding performance and entrepreneurial skills amongst their community of partner vendors.

“The fact that they are contributing to the growth of their local economy and not just surviving, but thriving despite the challenges, already makes them heroes in their own right. So I believe that the award’s name is only fitting for these businesses,” says Hardik Batra, Commercial Director of foodpanda Philippines. “We’re glad to be their partners to help them along the way.”

The selected Panda Local Heroes offer a wide range of food choices, and their stories are as fascinating as their menu offerings.

The heart to serve

Hailing from Calumpang in the province of South Cotabato, Sheila’s Buko Halo offers fruity refreshments and desserts perfect for both the hot and cold weather. Owner Maria Fe Cenon recalls their journey towards opening their halo-halo business. “Nung una, ang tinda lang namin ay gulay at prutas hanggang sa naisipan na naming magtinda ng halo-halo at iba pang meryenda.”

A barangay official, she brought her passion to serve into the way she does business – by putting her heart into serving their customers. “Ang lagi kong bilin at turo sa mga staff ko, dapat malinis kayo mag-trabaho, approachable sa mga customers, at mabilis mag-serve ng orders lalo na kapag sa foodpanda.”

Within four months with the online quick commerce platform, Sheila’s Buko Halo was already among the top performing vendors nationwide. “Masarap sa pakiramdam na nagtiwala agad ang foodpanda na maging partner merchant kami kahit ‘di pa naman ganun kalago ang business namin noon. Simula nung nasa app na kami at nagpo-post na rin sa social media yung mga nag-order, mas lalo kami nakilala. Malaking tulong talaga ang foodpanda samin kaya kampante ako na lalago ang business ko with them as our partner.”

Maximizing skills

Danz Pelaez was one of the many freelancers who had to look for another way to make a living when the pandemic hit. “I was a freelance event photographer before. Alam namin na mawawalan na ng events dahil sa pandemic kaya nag-isip agad kami ng ibang mapagkakakitaan.”

With this move came the birth of Today’s Dine by TDF located at the heart of General Santos City, in Acharon Village. “Nagagamit ko pa rin yung skills ko as a photographer dahil ako rin kumukuha ng shots ng menu sa app.” And Danz indeed has an exceptional photography skill making their menu deliciously enticing to try and order.

“Para mag stand-out yung food na ino-offer mo, kailangan kakaiba, like yung spicy tuna sisig namin na kahit three months palang ay most popular order na agad.” Aside from this best seller, Today’s Dine by TDF also has chicken meals, silog meals, and rice meals in their long list of menu.

“Ang store namin, dito lang din sa bahay mismo at kami lang ng misis ko ang staff. Kaya we rely heavily on online orders lalo na sa foodpanda. Ever since nag-join ako bilang partner merchant, ito na yung naging main income ng family ko,” he added.

“Dapat lang talaga marunong dumiskarte. At ‘di ko rin nakakalimutan mag-share ng tips, advice at knowledge sa kapwa vendors para mag-succeed din sila.”

Championing the region’s local product

A Muslim dish native to people in Mindanao, “pastil” is made of rice and shredded indigenous mackerel or "pirit" fish wrapped in banana leaf. Capturing the hearts of foodies while preserving the Muslim food tradition is Pinutos Rice Pastel by Pritz Pono. “With determination and an innovative mindset, we were able to perfect this classic flavorful dish.”

“Bukod sa masarap at affordable, our ingredients are coming straight from the fish canneries in GenSan and chicken dressing plants in Davao, as a way to patronize the local produce in our region."

“Ngayon na may presence na kami sa foodpanda app, sana mas makilala pa ang Pinutos Rice Pastel at mas maraming tao pa ang maka-try ng local dish namin dito sa Tagum City at sa Mindanao. With foodpanda’s reach, we’re hoping na makapag-branch out pa kami sa ibang areas,” Pritz said.

She is also very grateful for the recognition given by foodpanda to small local businesses like them. ”As a small food business, marami talagang challenges. Kaya yung award katulad nito, we feel that our efforts are valued and recognized.”

Perks of being a Panda Local Heroes Awardee

A total of 80 partner vendors were selected as Panda Local Heroes and they are set to enjoy exclusive perks and deals. They will bear a vendor ambassador pink tag on the app so they can easily be identified as a Panda Local Heroes Awardee, along with other special deals and discounts.

According to Batra, they are very proud of the achievements of their partner vendors. “foodpanda is honored to help small businesses during the pandemic and beyond. We also want our customers to have more options, and to try something new that will tickle their taste buds.”

“We continue to expand our footprint by partnering with local and smaller merchants in different areas in the Philippines.  Through these partnerships, we are helping them earn additional revenue online and give them the necessary push to expand or become more well-known,” he adds.

Offering local Filipino dishes, cafe staples, snacks, comfort food, healthy food, and desserts from across the country, the awardees of the Panda Local Heroes were chosen for showcasing business and entrepreneurial excellence in the 2^nd quarter of the year. Check here for the full list of winners.

 

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About foodpanda:

foodpanda is dedicated to bringing food lovers their favorite meals from curated local restaurants in the Philippines. Since its creation, the on-demand food delivery service has grown to more than 170,000 partner restaurants in more than 325 cities across 13 Asian and Central Europe markets. foodpanda Philippines currently operates in 150 cities and municipalities across the Philippines and continuously expanding. foodpanda is a subsidiary under Delivery Hero, a worldwide leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit www.foodpanda.ph.

How it works:

Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda rider and delivered straight to their doorstep.

Follow us on:

Facebook: foodpandaphilippines

Twitter: foodpanda_ph

Instagram: foodpanda_ph

GCash enables young professionals, MSMEs to unlock financial goals

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GCash, the Philippines’ number one financial super app, is enabling young professionals and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to unlock their financial goals through the many accessible digital financial services it offers like savings, loans, insurance, and even investments.

GCash recently shared that young professionals are becoming more independent, budget conscious, and open to trying simple ways to earn more while owners of MSMEs struggle to find accessible financing to expand their business and reach more customers.

That’s why GCash has been ramping up its line-up of financial services to help individuals achieve financial freedom while giving micro to small entrepreneurs the lifeline they need to keep their business afloat or the additional funds to support their expansion.

GCash has a slew of services which help users manage their wealth and gain financial security. For one, GSave, a digital savings account, offers a higher savings rate of up to 2.6% per annum than traditional banks, and that lets users access their money 24/7 anytime, anywhere.

GInsure is a one-stop shop for insurance products that’s easy to understand, has a low premium but comprehensive coverage like personal accidents, medical services, car insurance, income loss, and even online shopping, bills, cars, and pets.

The super app also enables individuals and MSMEs to have access to credit. GGives is an easy pay-later option that allows users to purchase gadgets, appliances, furniture and even plane tickets, among others worth up to P50,000 from 85,000 partner stores nationwide and pay for them later up to 24 gives over 12 months; and GLoan, which offers easy and fast cash loans up to P50,000 repayable up to 12 months with low interest rates and are suitable for digital entrepreneurs with growing online businesses.

The mobile app can also help users manage their finances as it provides a real-time record of their digital transactions which can be accessed 24/7 on their smartphone.

Financial literacy and customer engagement through social media

Aside from introducing various digital financial solutions, GCash is also maximizing the use of social media in its drive to educate and engage the youth on the benefits of using the app and learning more about its financial services.

Users can find GCash’s educational content on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram where they can learn from financial and medical experts, inspirational celebrities and other social media influencers. These include tutorials, life-goal hacks, and personal stories. They also answer frequently asked questions on finances and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of certain financial products, offer tips to develop the right mindset and behaviors toward money to avoid financial mistakes.

GSave’s Ipon Challenge also engages GCash users to post their Savings Tracker on Twitter to help show the ease and importance of saving for their future. Recently, GCash launched “Payaman Series”, video episodes of inspiring personal stories on how GCash ambassadors struggled financially and eventually got back on track with the help of GCash.

With GCash services and its financial literacy projects, Filipinos can start early on growing their wealth, upgrading their lifestyle and future-proofing their finances.

GCash has been a trusted digital financial platform by millions of FIlipinos especially as its operations is approved and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Since its launch in 2004, GCash users have increased to over 60 million, covering 83% of the Philippine population. Among them are at least five million merchants using the mobile app to accept digital payments from customers. In 2021, there were five times more active monthly users of GCash than the second largest competitor’s.

To know more about GCash and its financial services, visit https://www.gcash.com.