The year’s biggest digital transformation event aimed at encouraging MSMEs to embrace digital transformation gets underway this Monday, October 24. Organized by Go Negosyo together with the US Embassy in the Philippines, the Digital Sign Up Now 2022 promises to bring together the two growth drivers in the country’s economic development: micro, small and medium enterprises and digital technology.

“Digitalization is the great equalizer,” said Joey Concepcion, founder of the non-profit Go Negosyo, which organized the event. “The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of many MSMEs. They were the ones who benefited immensely from the e-wallets, the delivery apps, and social media, which allowed them to compete alongside the big players,” he said.

“The coming together of these two drivers of growth will redound to so many benefits down the line,” said Concepcion. MSMEs account for almost all enterprises in the Philippines and generate as much as 65 percent of jobs. Moreover, the Philippines has been cited as the area with the fastest growth in digital consumers, according to the 2021 report “e-Conomy SEA” by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company, Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and until the first half of 2021, the country recorded 12 million new digital consumers, 63 percent of whom came from the rural areas of the country.

“With hope, during the Digital Sign Up 2022, we will teach MSMEs how to use digital technology to make their operations efficient, reduce their costs, and expand their markets,” he said.

Digital Sign Up Now 2022 is designed as a free learning platform for MSMEs where they can learn from the experiences and best practices of other entrepreneurs who have successfully transformed their businesses using digital platforms. It will also introduce attendees to possible business collaborations with the different digital platforms now in the country, as well as impart knowledge from professionals specializing in creative services, brand imaging, fintech, as well as cybersecurity.

During the event, attendees will have their pick from the eleven 30-minute sessions. They will also receive one—on-one mentorship from big-brother companies and digital experts. Curated exhibits and activation booths will also be featured during the event, including Go Negosyo’s Angat Lahat sa Digital Alliance, which allows MSMEs and attendees to sign up on site.

Lucky aspiring and active entrepreneurs in attendance will also go home with cash to start and grow their businesses.

Expected join Digital Sign Up Now 2022 will be MSMEs, founders of digital startups, key executives from leading digital technology companies and incubators, experts in the creative industry, innovation experts, incubators, and startups, as well as young professionals and students in the field of