For over 50 years, the chamber has recognized that small enterprises form the backbone of the Philippine economy
When the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry established the Small Business Development Foundation in 1973, it sent a clear message: the future of Philippine business depends not just on large corporations, but on the thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises that form the economy’s foundation.
Today, that commitment remains stronger than ever. With MSMEs accounting for 99.5% of all businesses in the Philippines and employing over 60% of the workforce, PCCI’s role as their champion has never been more critical.
Building capacity, creating opportunities
PCCI’s MSME support goes beyond advocacy. The chamber runs comprehensive capacity-building programs that help small businesses navigate regulatory requirements, access financing, and develop market strategies. These programs have helped thousands of enterprises grow from local operations to regional and national players.
The chamber’s Business Matching Program connects MSMEs with larger companies and potential partners, creating supply chain opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Through trade missions and business forums, PCCI opens doors to markets that small businesses could never reach alone.
Focus on innovation and youth
This year marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Best Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA), specifically targeting young entrepreneurs aged 18-35. The program encourages innovation and provides seed funding, mentorship, and market access support to winning ideas.
The 2024 BIDA winners represent diverse sectors—from agricultural technology to digital services—reflecting the changing face of Philippine entrepreneurship. Each winner receives not just financial support but also access to PCCI’s extensive network of mentors and business leaders.
The program recognizes that young entrepreneurs are digital natives who understand technology, but still need guidance on fundamentals like financial management and market positioning.Policy advocacy
PCCI’s MSME advocacy extends to the policy level, where the chamber consistently pushes for legislation that benefits small businesses. Recent wins include support for expanded loan allocations under the Magna Carta for MSMEs and simplified business permit processes under the Ease of Doing Business Act.
The chamber’s 2024 policy recommendations specifically addressed MSME concerns, calling for enhanced financial support mechanisms, improved access to government procurement opportunities, and streamlined regulatory processes. Government agencies have adopted many of these recommendations.
PCCI’s advocacy has yielded faster permit processes, increased financing options, and improved access to government contracts for MSMEs nationwide.
Digital transformation support
Recognizing that digitalization is crucial for MSME competitiveness, PCCI has launched several programs to help small businesses adopt new technologies. The Innovation Center offers training in digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, and basic data analytics—skills that many traditional MSMEs lack but desperately need.
The chamber also partners with technology companies to provide discounted software and services to MSME members. These partnerships have helped hundreds of small businesses establish online presence and improve operational efficiency.
The pandemic accelerated the need for digital transformation, with many MSMEs crediting PCCI’s training programs for helping them transition to online operations and survive the economic disruption.
Financial inclusion initiatives
Access to finance remains a major challenge for MSMEs, and PCCI has worked to bridge this gap through various initiatives. The chamber maintains partnerships with banks and lending institutions to provide preferential rates and simplified application processes for members.
PCCI also advocates for alternative financing mechanisms, including peer-to-peer lending platforms and government-backed loan programs. The chamber’s endorsement often helps MSMEs access credit that would otherwise be unavailable.
PCCI advocacy has supported the recent expansion of the P3 Program and Rise-up Multi-Purpose Loan, providing additional financing options specifically tailored to MSME needs.
Inspiring success
PCCI’s MSME support has produced numerous success stories across different sectors. The chamber has facilitated the growth of textile manufacturers who expanded from small weaving operations to exporters serving markets in Japan and South Korea through trade mission opportunities and export guidance.
Tech startups have used PCCI networking events to find angel investors and mentors who helped secure their first major contracts. Food entrepreneurs have leveraged PCCI’s business matching program to become suppliers for major restaurant chains.
These transformations represent thousands of similar success stories facilitated by PCCI’s comprehensive support system.
Growth and sustainability
As MSMEs face new challenges—from climate change impacts to evolving consumer preferences—PCCI is adapting its support programs accordingly. The chamber now includes sustainability training and green business practices in its capacity-building initiatives.
Future programs will focus on helping MSMEs adopt circular economy principles, access green financing, and meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. PCCI recognizes that sustainable practices are no longer optional—they’re essential for long-term competitiveness.
The chamber is also expanding its mentorship programs, pairing successful business leaders with emerging entrepreneurs. This knowledge transfer ensures that hard-won experience benefits the next generation of business owners.
Strengthening the backbone
PCCI’s commitment to MSMEs reflects a fundamental understanding: small businesses are not just participants in the Philippine economy—they are its foundation. By providing training, advocacy, networking opportunities, and policy support, PCCI ensures that this foundation remains strong and continues growing.
As the chamber approaches its 140th anniversary, its dedication to MSMEs remains unchanged. In boardrooms and policy discussions, PCCI continues to argue that supporting small business is not just good policy—it’s essential for inclusive economic growth.
The thousands of MSMEs that have benefited from PCCI programs stand as testament to this commitment. Their success stories prove that with the right support, even the smallest businesses can achieve remarkable growth and contribute significantly to national economic development.
