Cebu City, Cebu – On September 5, 2024, twenty-six (26) micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), comprising 39 entrepreneurs from Cebu, participated in “Chat to Scale Up: Empowering MSMEs with Rakuten Viber Business Accounts.” This initiative, organized by Rakuten Viber in partnership with the FISH Visayas Project, aimed to expand MSMEs’ market reach by guiding them in creating Viber Business Accounts. These accounts allow enterprises to connect with other businesses and consumers directly, opening up opportunities for greater market access and customer engagement.

Notably, Rakuten Viber Business Accounts serve as a communication platform that enables businesses to engage directly with customers via messaging, chatbots, and personalized business profiles. For Philippine MSMEs, Viber business accounts provide an affordable and effective way to enhance their market visibility, improve customer service, and foster business growth.

During the event, MSMEs were guided by Mr. Lerick Elipe, Rakuten Viber’s Business Development Manager in the Philippines, as they set up their business accounts. Participants also engaged in an open discussion about the app’s key features, while existing users raised inquiries on optimizing the platform to better serve their business needs. A notable highlight was the testimony of Ms. Kaye Alexis Espinosa, owner of Parate Dessert Shop, who emphasized the importance of having a Viber Business Account, particularly in building connections with suppliers, customers, and partners, which proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking ahead, the FISH Visayas Project continues to empower MSMEs by encouraging the use of digital platforms, such as Rakuten Viber, to advance digital promotions and marketing efforts. Through the utilization of such platforms, MSMEs can enhance their market presence, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sustainable business growth in an increasingly digital economy.

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The partnership event on Chat to Scale Up: Empowering MSMEs with Rakuten Viber Business Accounts aspires to achieve Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.