There are several important factors to consider when starting a business. Whether it’s a restaurant, a service, or a product, you’ll need a good system, a receptive market, and of course, a solid concept.
These days, it has become a little easier to run a small business, because now we can do it out of our own homes—and we saw the rise of this during the pandemic. In fact, according to the Department of Trade and Industry, around 99 percent of registered businesses in the country count as MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises).
Sinag: Sari-Sari Store at Glorietta carries 14 social enterprises from all over the country.
But there are only a few truly strong concepts that can truly thrive, expand, and earn a wider market reach. Much of that relies on having well-rounded support—especially when it comes from established institutions like Ayala Malls.
Take chef Margarita Fores, for example, who many know for her longstanding restaurant, Cibo. She opened the first Cibo in Glorietta in 1997. Now, the 26-year-old Italian restaurant chain has nearly 20 branches all over the country. It also solidified Fores’ career, leading her to open various other restaurant concepts and culinary projects, and earning her the Asia’s Best Female Chef title in 2016.
Lokal Bayong at Ayala Malls Manila Bay features pieces from local weaving artisans.
On the beauty front, there’s the global brand Sunnies Face, from the creators of the eyewear brand Sunnies Studio. Sunnies Face, the cosmetic line, opened its first branches in Glorietta and UP Town Center. It has since shot to international fame, with many of its products gracing global beauty publications, and on the faces of stars here and abroad.
In the world of retail, Ayala Malls has not only been a pioneer but also a nurturing ground for countless local brands that have now blossomed into household names. With a steadfast commitment to promoting and uplifting local businesses, Ayala Malls stands as a reliable partner, offering unwavering support to small enterprises on their journey toward growth and success.
Jinky Aguinaldo, Ayala Malls AVP, Head of Corporate Support Division and Head of Alagang
AyalaLand, opens Ayala Malls Vertis North Alagang Ayala Land Center
Through the years, Ayala Malls has become home to more than a thousand social enterprises all over the Philippines. These businesses have been receiving the Ayala brand of care and support, thanks to their community engagement program called Alagang Ayala Land.
This program was started during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist vulnerable sectors. Ayala Malls’ role has been to provide livelihood opportunities for social enterprises. This comes in the form of providing physical spaces for the enterprises to showcase and sell their products, and to better introduce them to a wider market.
Go Lokal sells handcrafted homegrown goods at Glorietta
The Alagang Ayala Land program, through Ayala Malls, now supports more than 1,000 social enterprises across 30 malls nationwide. Collectively, these ventures have generated more than P132 million in sales last year—that means a daily average of P3,000 per enterprise, which in turn has helped 9,700 families.
Ayala Malls Vertis North is currently the program’s biggest center, which houses several up-and-coming local brands like farm-to-plate concept Homegrown Harvest and Happy Home, which provides quality, locally made home products.
Many of the Alagang Ayala Land enterprises are also geared toward sustainability and highlighting local talent and culture. Indi Heritage Socks PH, for example, supports the work of the indigenous community of Tingguian of Abra and Ifugao, while Lokal Bayong features locally made bags woven by artisans.
Ayala Malls Vertis North Alagang Ayala Land Center
Maginhawa Eco Store, meanwhile, has found an avenue to promote low-impact lifestyle. Green Fit Friends, which pushes for eco-friendly, affordable and accessible bath essentials also aligns with this cause.
These are just some of the concepts that have found a home in Ayala Malls. And with the wealth of Filipino creativity, talent, and innate entrepreneurial sense, backed by Ayala Land’s holistic support, it won’t be surprising to see their numbers grow.
To encourage the support of local businesses, do visit the Alagang Ayala Land booths that can be found in Ayala Malls nationwide. By patronizing our homegrown small enterprises, you can play a vital role in helping them thrive and succeed on their journey towards growth and success.
ADVT.