Link, Upscale, and Innovate—Project Match is set to launch on 15 November 2021.

Project Match is an 18-month activity implemented by StartUp Village with grant support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Project Match is a marketplace and resource platform that helps in the digitization of MSMEs by linking them to startups that provide the much-needed digital solutions and technology. Project Match aims to catalyze the digital transformation of MSMEs  through startups, therefore fostering the reinvigoration of the Philippine economy.

This is complemented by access to learning resources where both MSMEs and startups can gain knowledge and guidance through learning materials, resources, and mentorship that is needed to drive the matching process. To further augment this, access to finance is included as well to provide means for MSMEs to finance their growth.

As mentioned, the project has three pillars:

• Access to Market. The MATCH platform has a marketplace component that will provide the startups an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate its products and capabilities for the benefit of the MSMEs who are looking for possible digital solutions. The marketplace will have two main sections: One for the MSME and the other for the startup. Both sections will serve as the online storefront of the establishments.
• Access to Mentorship. The platform has a Learning Management System where curated content such as videos, cases, worksheets, and the like from its library of resources will be made available. Pool of mentors will also be onboarded to provide wisdom and guidance for both startups and MSMEs.
• Access to Finance. Financial institutions such as banks, microfinance institutions, investors, and venture capitalists will be featured in the platform while providing details and guidance on requirements including the process for applying for financing. This is to help in accelerating the growth of participating startups and MSMEs.

Get to learn more about Project Match as it fully opens its doors to the public in its opening ceremony on 15 November 2021 from 9:00AM to 10:30AM via StartUp Village and Project Match Facebook pages.

Be part of Project Match by registering here: https://bit.ly/MATCH-NOV15

Thank you and see you there! ♦

Date of Release: 11 November 2021