UnionBank powers up SMEs through tech-driven banking solutions at this year’s Soiree By Retail Lab

In Photos: Claudine Paulino Baron, By Retail Lab Founder, Dino Velasco, UnionBank Institutional Segment Marketing Head, Rosanna Aranaz by Retail Lab Founder, UnionBank SME Team: SME Marketing Managers Marga Bellosillo & Vince Dizon, SME Content Platform Manager Trixie Cruz Shimamoto. (UnionBank File Photos)

UnionBank, a champion for empowering Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), has partnered with By Retail Lab, a multi-brand lifestyle store that spotlights Filipino-owned small businesses, for Soiree By Retail Lab, the largest holiday fair in the Philippines.

Scheduled for December 6 to 8 and 14 to 15, 2024, at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City, this pre-Christmas event will feature over 170 merchants, celebrating the ingenuity and creativity of Filipino-owned businesses. UnionBank’s presence through its UB Negosyante program is meant to enhance participating businesses by helping them thrive in the increasingly tech-driven economy.

“UnionBank’s goal is to give Filipino entrepreneurs the “Power to Grow” by offering simple, accessible financial solutions tailored to their needs. This makes it easier for their customers to support local merchants,” said Dino Velasco, UnionBank’s Head of Institutional Segment Marketing.  “Through the collaboration with Soiree, we are able to support businesses that form the backbone of the economy with forward-thinking practices one segment at a time.”

Soiree By Retail Lab provides entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products while promoting a culture of shopping local. Through this partnership with UB Negosyante, shoppers will enjoy the convenience of cashless payments while the SMEs benefit from tools that streamline their financial processes and help them remain competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment.

UnionBank has a wide array of tools designed to empower businesses and address their unique challenges. The UnionBank BizStarter checking account lowers barriers to banking by requiring an initial deposit of just Php 5,000, making it accessible for small business owners. With the account is the ability to use the UB Negosyante App, an all-in-one mobile platform that allows entrepreneurs to manage, pay, and collect funds seamlessly, with QRPH code generation for efficient payment collection—essential for dynamic marketplaces like Soiree.

“Filipino entrepreneurs are resilient and resourceful, and our role is to provide the support they need to achieve their full potential,” Velasco said. “UnionBank is proud to stand alongside these businesses, helping them flourish and contribute to a brighter future for all.” 

With UnionBank’s innovative solutions and By Retail Lab’s dedication to uplifting local entrepreneurs, this year’s holiday fair is set to be more than just a shopping event—it’s a platform for progress, partnerships, and endless possibilities. (PR)

For more information on UnionBank’s efforts and offerings for SMEs, visit the UnionBank website at  https://www.unionbankph.com/msme, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube. Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas https://www.bsp.gov.ph.