The Kabisig Summit program was created with a customer-first mindset, listening to sari-sari store owners and addressing their needs. This initiative reflects a Unilever Philippines core value: Malasakit. The Kabisig Summit offers tailored training sessions to improve business management skills, increase sales, protect businesses, and enhance livelihoods. To minimize disruption to domestic responsibilities and sari-sari store operations, sessions are held near partner stores and are available both in-person and online.
Building a Community of Support
Beyond education and technology investments, the Kabisig Program aims to build a community of experts, educators, and peers to help store owners navigate business opportunities and challenges. Since its launch in 2016, the program has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of lives. A 2021 study revealed that 91% of attendees are women, with 76% reporting increased earnings and savings, and 79% experiencing business growth.
“At Unilever, we believe that empowering MSMEs is an equally important segment in our sustainability agenda. The Kabisig Summit is important and personal to me not only because I concurrently head our sales function, but because I am testament to how a small business can change people’s lives for the better. The success of sari-sari stores is also the Filipino people’s success,” shares Fredy Ong, Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO, whose experience in helping his family’s humble retail business in a public market during his younger years led to his belief that investing in the growth and sustainability of MSMEs can change lives.
Key to Success: Accessibility and Mentorship
The success of the Kabisig program lies in its accessibility and peer-to-peer mentorship. Learning from fellow business owners is both enriching and inspiring. Unilever’s partnerships with government and non-government organizations, such as the Department of Trade Industry and Hapinoy, are also key in expanding the program’s reach.
Unilever’s New Era of Sustainability
Unilever’s refreshed sustainability agenda focuses on climate, nature, plastics, and livelihoods. The Kabisig Summit is part of Unilever’s 2026 goal to help 2.5 million SMEs in its global retail value chain grow their businesses. By making sustainability progress integral to business performance, Unilever aims to create a lasting impact on its business and stakeholders.