San Miguel Corporation’s food unit San Miguel Foods has launched its Community micro-enterprises program which offers enterprising Filipinos the chance to start their own small business during the pandemic.

The move will also allow these micro-entrepreneurs to contribute to economic recovery by becoming part of the company’s growing network of small business partners.

Under the program, any interested individual can get into selling the company’s full line of popular and trusted brands in their own communities.

“We want to help those who have lost their jobs, or who have encountered financial difficulties due to the pandemic, and are in need of additional or alternative sources of income,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said.

He added that, “While we help them re-establish their livelihood, they will in turn help us bring our products closer to more consumers.”

“We think this is a very good opportunity for many of our countrymen. Food is a necessity so even if there’s a pandemic, there will always be a market for it. This can be your side business or your main source of income, depending on how committed and dedicated you are,” noted Ang.

He emphasized that “anyone can apply” for the business opportunities. Those interested can then choose from several models developed by San Miguel Foods, depending on what best fits their local market and personal preferences.

The program started last year with the Magnolia Chicken Community Selling program at the height of pandemic restrictions, when access to food products at traditional outlets was severely limited.

With a minimum capital of only P2,000 for the minimum order quantity of Magnolia Chicken products, a small business partner can earn as much as P9,000 to P30,000 per month, depending on the number of households he or she works to serve in his or her area.

Magnolia Chicken also provides merchandising support to advertise the business.

San Miguel Foods is also open to potential micro-entrepreneurs who want to carry all San Miguel Food products, as part of a continuing engagement for extra income.

Under this model, all products can be carried, provided that the small business partner has enough space for storage--approximately six square meters.

San Miguel Foods has also opened a business opportunity for those who want to be in the baked goods or breads space.

Through a newly-built bread commissary in Pasig City, San Miguel Foods can now offer an easy-to-start business model for enterprising households wanting to sell freshly-baked breads and pastries in their communities.

Meanwhile, communities who are interested in weekends-only or occasional selling activities inside their villages or residential condominiums can now directly coordinate with the company.

San Miguel Foods can then bring its complete line of products--from fresh chicken, refrigerated and canned meats, ready-to-eat viands, dairy products, baking essentials, to dog food--and make these available for half a day at a park or community center.

“Hopefully, while the economy is still in a slowdown, these opportunities will be a big help to many of our enterprising and industrious Filipinos. We have all experienced many setbacks and difficulties in life during this pandemic. This could be a first step for many of our countrymen to get back on their feet,” Ang said.