The hope for MSMEs that emerges during COVID-19

The hope for MSMEs that emerges during COVID-19

Inspirational

Jaypee Soliman

Jaypee Soliman

241 week ago — 5 min read

Many countries have been hit by the deadly COVID-19. Some are hit harder compared to others but, regardless of the degree, it has shocked and surprised the world’s economy extensively. Every single business, big or small, is affected due to the lockdown that has to be implemented by the government of each country in hope to contain and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.


Here in the Philippines, a group under the name BOUNCE BACK PH was founded by a mentor and author of the book ‘The Practical Entrepreneur,’ an entrepreneur himself, Jason Dela Rosa. Foreseeing the impact it will have on businesses at the onset of the lockdown period, he gathered the best entrepreneurs, professionals and business owners to serve as a think tank to strategically develop solutions; to help endure during and recover after the COVID-19 crisis.


Unexpectedly, BOUNCE BACK PH has transformed from a simple group on social media into a movement. In less than three weeks, the group has over 21,000 members in all key cities nationwide which includes leading industry experts such as RJ Ledesma of Easy Franchise, Sam Jacoba, Raffy Canare of AFFI, Gelix Mercader and Nato Agbayani of The Practical Learning Company, Jeff Catimbang, Andrew John Smith of the Maharlika Group of Companies, to name a few.

More than the business aspect, as one country, we will rise above this global crisis together.

 

BOUNCE BACK PH is a social media platform that aims to support businesses in all industries. It focuses more on the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since they are deeply affected by this on-going quarantine. Companies of different scales collaborate and share ideas to help build one another. Industry leaders help through scheduled online mentorship, consultancies, collaboration, forums and discussions.


There are live sessions being hosted by experts and generous organizations such as Easy Franchise, The Practical Learning Company, Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), GoNegosyo and many others. Sharing relevant articles, best practices, and connections via group chats and zoom meetings in breakout sessions. Hosting focus group discussions to get sentiments of people through Bounce Back conversations is also part of their agenda.

Also read: Managing cash flows during a period of crisis


However, the group was fundamentally created for a specific cause, this is to help MSMEs ‘bounce back’ from this debilitating crisis. BOUNCE BACK formed a task force to brainstorm and formulate a customizable practical framework wherein it will be efficient in providing faster and smarter solutions. It is also gearing up from being an online group into an organization that is equipped with resources, connections, and know-hows in rescuing and helping businesses recover from an economic crisis. Through the Practical Learning Company, the group will launch the BOUNCE BACK ACADEMY which will feature 100% FREE learning that will also be soliciting donations to fund SME business continuity programs.

BOUNCE BACK PH also recognized the basic needs during the enhanced community quarantine. Since “bayanihan” is still alive in our country, it provided an avenue for entrepreneurs to use their networks and resources in support of our frontliners who are the health workers and our police force. Collating donations from cash, goods, PPEs, sanitizers, face or surgical masks, as well as offering food relief projects for communities, this became an opportunity to extend help.


A message of HOPE. More than the business aspect, this is what BOUNCE BACK PH aspires to deliver to our kababayans, and as one country, we will rise above this global crisis together.


To join BOUNCE BACK PH, kindly visit and join here

To donate to the movement, you can go to the secure donation here


To explore business opportunities, link with me by clicking on the 'Invite' button on my eBiz Card.


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, official policy or position of GlobalLinker.

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Jaypee Rico Soliman

SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head SME Marketing Head Product Owner UnionBank GlobalLinker Customer Experience Group