Grab Philippines, USAID Urge GenSan SMEs to Embrace Digitalization to Boost Business Growth and Opportunities

Grab, the country’s leading app in providing on demand digital solutions in transportation and delivery, has collaborated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in encouraging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to embrace digitalization in their journey to business success.

Ezra Regina Espina, Grab Philippines’ Deliveries Manager, underscored the significant impact of digital technology in opening new opportunities for SMEs. “Digitalization will put you at the doorstep of a broader market and help you reach more customers, even worldwide, like in the case of our overseas family and friends who want to order food remotely and have it delivered locally,” she told local entrepreneurs at the “Urban Connect” event held recently in General Santos City.

Urban Connect is a project of USAID focused on urban development with a goal of empowering local entrepreneurs by introducing them to digital marketing solutions, online market access and other transformative online business tools like e-payment.

“Grab is the best example of how digitalization can provide SMEs increased visibility and access to larger customer bases,” Espina pointed out.

Grab and its products, which include mobility, deliveries and financial services, now has a presence in 115 cities nationwide and continues to expand as more local government units embrace modernization and recognize the economic opportunities it brings to local communities.

Espina explained to small entrepreneurs that aside from saving in operational costs by automating processes and routine tasks, the integration of digital solutions is vital in helping businesses make data-driven decisions and in innovating their business practices to differentiate themselves from competitors. “By embracing opportunities in the digital space, you gain invaluable tool to build your business to success.”

General Santos City was among the most recent cities in Mindanao to embark in digitalization with the introduction of GrabTaxi last June as a riding-hailing option. GrabTaxi empowers existing locally registered taxi operators and drivers while offering safety, convenience, efficiency and upfront transparent pricing.