SEC & NOCCI Roadshow Empowers MSMEs and Startups in Dumaguete

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in partnership with the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), conducted a Roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs and Start-Ups in Dumaguete City.Spearheaded by the SEC Office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in SMEs or OASIS, this nationwide roadshow aims to promote and raise awareness on the various capital market financing options available for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. The event features plenary and break-out sessions with invited speakers from Round One (a crowdfunding intermediary), the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines.

The NOCCI officers, Board of Trustees, and members were present during the said event. One of the highlights in the said roadshow was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between SEC Bacolod Extension Office and NOCCI, a collaborative initiative which seeks to promote financial literacy and investor education in the locality.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), recently conducted a highly anticipated Roadshow on Capital Formation for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Startups in Dumaguete City. The event, part of a nationwide initiative led by the SEC Office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in SMEs (OASIS), underscored the importance of capital market access for small businesses and startups, positioning them for sustainable growth and expansion.

This roadshow aimed to raise awareness among MSMEs and startups about the diverse range of capital market financing options available to them. By doing so, the SEC and NOCCI are fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem that supports the needs of smaller enterprises, which are the backbone of the local economy. The event was structured to provide comprehensive insights into the financial tools and strategies that can help these businesses thrive in a competitive market.

The roadshow featured a series of plenary and break-out sessions that were both informative and engaging. Key speakers included representatives from Round One, a leading crowdfunding intermediary, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), and the Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP). Each speaker brought a unique perspective on the various financing options available to MSMEs and startups, providing participants with valuable knowledge on how to leverage these opportunities for their businesses.

One of the significant highlights of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the SEC Bacolod Extension Office and NOCCI. This agreement formalizes a collaborative effort between the two organizations to promote financial literacy and investor education in Negros Oriental. By enhancing financial literacy, the partnership seeks to empower local businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of capital formation and investment.

The MOA signing marks a strategic step forward in the SEC’s broader mission to increase the financial inclusion of MSMEs and startups across the country. Through this partnership, NOCCI members and the wider business community in Negros Oriental will benefit from ongoing educational initiatives, workshops, and resources designed to enhance their understanding of capital markets and investment strategies. This focus on education is crucial, as it equips business owners with the skills needed to make informed decisions that can lead to long-term success.

The participation of NOCCI officers, Board of Trustees, and members in the roadshow underscores the local business community’s commitment to advancing financial literacy and capital formation. Their involvement highlights the critical role that business chambers play in supporting economic development at the grassroots level. By actively engaging in such initiatives, NOCCI is not only advocating for the interests of its members but also contributing to the overall economic resilience of Negros Oriental.

For MSMEs and startups in attendance, the roadshow provided an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from industry experts. The sessions covered a range of topics, including the intricacies of crowdfunding, the benefits of listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the role of investment banks like ICCP in facilitating access to capital. These discussions were tailored to address the specific challenges faced by smaller enterprises, offering practical solutions that can be implemented to overcome financial barriers.

The roadshow’s impact extends beyond the event itself, as it sets the stage for continued collaboration between the SEC, NOCCI, and other stakeholders in the region. By fostering an environment of learning and growth, the SEC and NOCCI are helping to build a more robust and dynamic business landscape in Negros Oriental. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to support MSMEs and startups, recognizing their vital contribution to economic development and job creation.

As the partnership between the SEC and NOCCI progresses, we can expect to see further initiatives aimed at enhancing the financial capabilities of local businesses. The focus on capital formation and investor education is not just about immediate gains but is also a long-term investment in the economic future of Negros Oriental. By empowering MSMEs and startups with the knowledge and resources they need, this collaboration is paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient local economy.

SEC and NOCCI Roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs and Startups in Dumaguete City was a resounding success, bringing together key players in the financial sector to share their expertise with the local business community. The event, marked by the signing of the MOA between SEC Bacolod and NOCCI, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy and access to capital in Negros Oriental. With continued collaboration and support, the future looks bright for the MSMEs and startups that form the backbone of the province’s economy.

Photo by www.sec.gov.ph