Small stores, big impact: Empowering sari-sari stores through education, tech for inclusive growth

MANILA, Philippines — In every thriving Filipino barangay, one of the clearest signs of a vibrant community is the presence of a sari-sari store. 

The humble, yet indispensable sari-sari stores serve as the lifeblood of neighborhoods, providing easy access to daily essentials, a place for quick conversations and most importantly, a livelihood for millions of Filipino families. 

In a country with over one million sari-sari stores, it can’t be denied that these stores are deeply embedded in Filipino communities, acting as both economic and social hubs. They provide a wide range of products, from household essentials to quick snacks, catering to the daily needs of their neighbors. 

However, the long-term sustainability of sari-sari stores faces various hurdles. 

Many store owners, particularly those managing on a day-to-day basis, encounter challenges like fluctuating sales, limited access to inventory and a lack of business knowledge. 

These obstacles hinder their ability to grow and adapt, especially in a fast-changing market increasingly shaped by technology.

Believing in the value of malasakit, and that small businesses as Sari-sari stores are key to achieving inclusive growth in the Philippines, Unilever Philippines launched Kabisig Summit, a community-centric approach, embodied in the summit’s name—Kabisig, or “arm-in-arm”—aims to build a network of store owners who support one another’s growth.

Unilever’s Kabisig Summit is an innovative initiative designed to tackle the challenges faced by sari-sari store owners.

Launched in 2016, the summit equips store owners with essential training, tools and technology know-how to enhance their operations. Participants receive valuable education in business management, customer engagement and financial literacy—skills critical for long-term growth.

One of the program's features is its accessibility. Trainings are conducted in locations close to the stores, minimizing the burden of having to leave their stores and losing a day’s worth of income. 

Initially an in-person "kalyeserye" program, the Kabisig Summit has evolved to include online training options, ensuring that store owners nationwide can participate without