Over the course of two days, February 19 and 20, 2024, the Grow Digital ASEAN workshop unfolded at the Kidapawan City Conference Center, equipping over 120 rural Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across various sectors with the digital tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s evolving landscape.
This empowering initiative was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), alongside other dedicated local organizations, who recognized the crucial role of digital skills in propelling the growth of rural MSMEs in Kidapawan City and seven other municipalities in the region.
From farmers nurturing the land to agri-business entrepreneurs, passionate individuals from the tourism, food, and beverage industries came together to embark on a journey of digital transformation. The air crackled with a collective sense of purpose and possibility as participants eagerly absorbed the workshop’s valuable insights.
The workshop served as a fertile ground for operational efficiencies, business growth, financial empowerment, and digital expansion. It equipped these pillars of the local economy with the know-how to harness the power of technology to streamline operations, adopt green initiatives, reach new markets, and amplify their success.
Imagine a farmer utilizing digital tools to optimize crop yields, connect directly with consumers, and access valuable market data. Picture an agri-business owner leveraging e-commerce platforms to broaden their reach and tap into a global audience. Envision the tourism sector utilizing digital marketing strategies to showcase the city’s breathtaking beauty and unique cultural offerings to a wider audience.
The Grow Digital workshop wasn’t just about imparting technical skills; it was about planting the seeds of empowerment and cultivating a culture of continuous learning. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community building, fostering a supportive ecosystem where rural MSMEs can learn from each other and flourish together.
Kidapawan City, with its thriving economy and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, deserves ongoing support and opportunities for skills development. The Grow Digital workshop serves as a beacon of hope, paving the way for a future where rural MSMEs not only survive but thrive in the digital age. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to see the incredible stories that unfold as these empowered entrepreneurs cultivate growth and contribute to the progress of their communities.
About Go Digital ASEAN
The program is implemented by The Asia Foundation with funding from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, and endorsement from the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME).
Go Digital ASEAN is an initiative under the Future Skills Alliance, a broad coalition of partners from both the public and private sectors working together to deliver future skills at scale to the region’s most marginalized.