Technopreneurs from the island provinces of MIMAROPA learned the basics of online selling that could position their products better in the local and even the global market in a forum organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Region IV-B (DOST-IV-B).

Dubbed “e-Marketing: Bridging island products to the mainstream,” the activity is part of the regional agency’s efforts to further support the adoptors of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)—the DOST program that provides a package of intervention, including interest and collateral-free funding for technology upgrades to micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Sheila Lina, president and CEO of Air21 Global, the company behind the online store Shopinas.com, freely shared to the SETUP adoptors the basics of online selling. She discussed at length that, in setting up an online store, one needs to invest in time, technical team, money, and project management. To balance her discussion, she also laid down several possible issues that an entrepreneur may face in online selling, such as the challenge of creating online traffic for the website and possible credit card fraud from unscrupulous buyers.

In addition, Lina assured that online selling platforms such as Shopinas.com are advantageous because they help minimize the costs in establishing an online store. These platforms also offer protection for both the buyer and the seller in online transactions. (Luisa S. Lumioan, S&T Media Service)





Sheila Lina, President and CEO of Air21Global, discusses how technopreneurs can take advantage of the internet in marketing their products in a DOST-sponsored activity held last August 27, at Traders Hotel.