Digital and AI training program launched for MSMEs in 4 cities

CEBU, Philippines — Grab Philippines is partnering with the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization, to help Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their digital and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities as businesses face growing pressure to adopt new technologies.

The collaboration combines Grab’s Grab Asenso: Digital Diskarte public-private partnership program with the Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines, or Digital PINAS, initiative, creating a platform to bring digital training to MSMEs in regional cities.

The pilot program will run through the end of 2026, with ITC’s micro-business development expertise incorporated into Grab Asenso Learning Caravans in cities including Davao, Cebu, San Fernando and Puerto Princesa.

The initiative will focus on two areas: expert-led masterclasses designed to help entrepreneurs build practical digital capabilities and a merchant monitoring framework intended to measure whether training leads to changes in business practices and measurable growth.

Grab Philippines Chief Corporate Officer Sherielysse Bonifacio said the partnership aims to expand digital access beyond simply connecting businesses to customers.

“Our vision is to build an even more expansive digital road network that reaches more MSMEs across cities and communities nationwide,” Bonifacio said.

The training will follow Digital PINAS’ hands-on approach, covering the fundamentals of establishing and optimizing digital business profiles, building online presence and creating brand and marketing content.

Entrepreneurs will also be trained to use artificial intelligence tools to improve business operations. Depending on local requirements, sessions may cover e-commerce, financial management, responsible technology adoption and export readiness.

Grab is also conducting refresher sessions on its merchant-focused digital tools, including the Merchant AI Assistant, which provides round-the-clock support for day-to-day business tasks, and Tap and Scan to Pay, which allows merchants to accept cashless payments through QR codes and cards.