ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), even start-up companies can now expand businesses as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opens access to funding through the capital market.

The said capital market is where savings and investments are channeled between the suppliers and those in need like MSMEs and start-ups.

and mandatory collateral requirements which can be a challenge,” Commissioner Lee noted. 

This event, according to Lee, is part of a monthly nationwide roadshow that the SEC is organizing to promote and raise awareness of the various ways that our MSMEs can access the capital market for their financial needs.

or group solicits money from the public through the Internet.

In the case of start-up or small businesses, crowdfunding allows them to raise the funds that they need in order to execute their business ideas or certain project that is affordable and allows retention of initial value and control of the business.

Three SEC-licensed crowdfunding intermediaries, namely Investree, Seed In, and Round One presented their platforms during the roadshow. 

The Roadshow is an initiative led by the newly created SEC office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in SMEs (OASIS), which aims to encourage SMEs to explore the capital market as means to acquire external financing.

OASIS seeks to promote the interests of SMEs by providing a dedicated helpdesk to assist MSMEs on SEC requirements, conduct promotional events and set up viable alternatives in raising capital by simplifying the capital-raising products, promoting and advocating for a whole of government approach in strengthening the country’s MSME network and encourage investment houses and other financial institutions to implement SME-friendly underwriting and advisory programs.

The initiative is also part of the commission’s 888@88 goal, which means that there should have been at least 888 companies that tapped the capital market by the time the SEC celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2024. (ED/PIA6)