Honouring Filipino Businesses at the DTI-MSME Hub in Toronto
12 December 2024
Here are our event highlights from the DTI-MSME Hub launched at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto.
On November 27, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), launched the DTI-MSME Hub at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto. In addition to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino businesses, the event marked a festive start to the holiday season.
Located at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto, the MSME Hub serves as a platform to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of Filipino entrepreneurs. They will showcase products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with qualities that are made for the global stage. The initiative also includes events to foster relationships with possible partners in Canada.
Attendees at the event were treated to an immersive experience showcasing Philippine specialty coffee and native delicacies that resonate with the vibrant culture and heritage of the Philippines.
A Perfect Holiday Kickoff
The launch of the event felt like we were all transported to the comfort of being back in the Philippines. In addition to enjoying cups of rich, fragrant coffee from Project Beans, guests also enjoyed traditional foods like bibingka from Ferinos, which reminded us of what Christmas time was like back home.
The food sampling didn’t end there; we were treated to chorizo tacos from Casa Manila, ube cake from the Purple Bakeshop, and espresso martinis from Mineral Toronto, which combined classic and contemporary flavours. This beautiful event created a festive mood by fusing food, culture, and community, setting the tone for the holiday season.
Bridging Opportunities Between the Philippines and Canada
Building strong business relationships is one of the main objectives of the MSME Hub. It gives Filipino entrepreneurs an opportunity to enter the Canadian market by connecting Philippine MSMEs with Canadian customers, companies, and distributors.
This initiative is a unique opportunity that brings the best of the Philippines to the Filipino community in Canada, whether you are looking to satisfy a craving or considering an investment. This hub highlights flavours and crafts that we can all be proud. It’s more than just a display – it is a chance to connect with our culture and heritage in a meaningful way and enjoy the things that make our heritages so special, all within reach here in Canada.
What Is the DTI-MSME Hub?
The DTI-MSME Hub serves as a platform to discover what the Philippines has to offer. Its goal is to help Philippine MSMEs become more visible, to build connections with possible Canadian partners and reach a wider audience.
The launch of the DTI-MSME Hub in Toronto is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Filipino MSMEs. The Hub’s focus on innovation, teamwork, and cultural pride promises to expand the market for Philippine goods and provide Filipino craftsmanship and creativity a platform.
And if you’re looking for a way to support Filipino businesses this holiday season, consider exploring Filipino owned restaurants for your next gathering or why not buy Philippine made items from Filipino owned small business—or you can even use OTT Remit to send a little holiday cheer back home.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of OTT Remit, OTT Financial Inc., and the OTT Group of Companies. This publication is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered as exhaustive or comprehensive in covering all aspects of the discussed topics. It is not intended to replace seeking advice from a specialist or professional.