PayMaya launches P60-M support campaign for MSMEs’ shift to e-commerce

Smart-backed mobile wallet PayMaya on Wednesday launched a P60-million campaign to help COVID-19 pandemic-hit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) transition to e-commerce with digital and cashless technology solutions.

PayMaya launched the "Sulong Negosyo" campaign, in which the digital payment services provider said it will provide P60 million worth of products, programs, and partnership support to help MSMEs recover and grow in the country aided by cashless and contactless payments.

"MSMEs form a critical sector in our country’s recovery from the current crisis. With all businesses compelled to to go digital, MSMEs should not be left behind. 'Sulong Negosyo' is our rallying action to enable MSMEs with cashless technologies,” Orlando Vea, founder and CEO of PayMaya, said.

Citing figures from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PayMaya said an estimated 90,000 businesses remain closed and over 200,000 workers have permanently lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which belong to the MSME sector.

"Even as the economy reopens, online, cashless, and contactless transactions are here to stay as customers choose convenience and safety. The next phase of commerce will be digitally-fueled, so equipping MSMEs with the right tools and payment options in order to succeed in this new era is one of our main priorities at PayMaya," Raymund Villanueva, business head for QR Ecosystems at PayMaya, said.

As part for the support campaign, PayMaya said it is providing various cashless payment tools for MSMEs such as the following:

• PayMaya QR - codes that can easily be shared via social media or chat apps, or displayed for face-to-face transactions, allowing sellers to receive instant payments from users
• PayMaya Payment Links - help MSMEs that do not have established e-commerce stores by allowing them to generate links which they can send to their customers for payment
• PayMaya Checkout Plugins - are for MSMEs operating online stores powered by Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce that allows for quick and easier integration of the PayMaya Checkout payment gateway without the need for advanced coding knowledge or experience

“MSMEs interested in these solutions can easily sign up and upload their requirements by using PayMaya Business Manager or by downloading the PayMaya Negosyo app from the Google Play Store,” PayMaya said.

PayMaya also announced it has tied up with entrepreneurial advocacy group Go Negosyo for various income opportunities and mentorship programs in the next several months.

"MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, so a concerted effort among government, the private sector, and civil society will definitely help boost their recovery in the months ahead. We thank PayMaya for this partnership that will definitely help provide a lot of opportunities to learn and earn for many small businesses across the country, said Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion, who is also the founder of Go Negosyo.

MSMEs participating in Go Negosyo programs across the country can enjoy access to PayMaya products, with assistance on onboarding, incentives, and training resources, according to the financial services provider. — RSJ, GMA News