Started as a Facebook group the evolved into a movement, BounceBack Philippines (BBPH), which is as old as the pandemic, renewed its commitment to assist micro-, small-, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) overcome the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Key industry leaders underscored the role of making innovations and solutions available to MSMEs in their recovery. Citing fintech best practices, management or entrepreneurial pointers, essential business partnerships, and information on helpful education initiatives as essentials as entrepreneurs navigate the new business environment.

“The pandemic has decimated almost 200,000 Filipino MSMEs since last year, but those that are still standing have pivoted and embraced the new digital normal to continue to serve their customers during these times,” said Jason Dela Rosa, founder BounceBack. “There are also thousands of new entrepreneurs that were born during the pandemic that also need guidance to navigate the new business landscape.”

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Dela Rosa started BBPH as a Facebook group that now has 1.1 million community members spread across various online groups and pages. BBPH has delivered thousands of hours of training programs for its community members, as well as driving support for front liners and disadvantaged communities since the pandemic started.

“We’ve almost never stopped supporting MSMEs, healthcare professionals, and disadvantaged communities with various programs since the lockdown was imposed on March 16, 2020,” Dela Rosa said.

Bayanihan

“In its second year, BBPH will continue to partner with institutions and associations that have the passion to help MSMEs bounce back, within its various programs such as the Digital Bayanihan Initiative (DBI) and the BBPH Coaching Series that will enhance the competencies of the BBPH entrepreneurs and help them shine in the online world.” said Sam Jacoba, co-founder, BBPH. “These programs are meant to strengthen the competencies needed by MSMEs to succeed in the emerging online ecosystem.”

Those associations that have already committed to supporting BBPH with their training and certification programs include the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP) which recently announced a scholarship program for BBPH members; the Global Chamber PH; the Philippine Computer Society (PCS); the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT); the Infocomm Technology Association of the Philippines (ITAP); and the Women Helping Women (WHW) community. These associations will deliver content as part of BB TECH and the Technology Coaching Series. BBPH is still talking to other associations and institutions to bring their expertise in training and certification to its members.

Corporate institutions have also partnered with BBPH for various initiatives such as Meralco, Unionbank Global Linker, Resellee, True ID, Mercato Centrale, Lalamove, and more are coming, with GCash set to participate as BBPH’s e-payment platform. Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc. is assisting BBPH with its public relations and events management.