Facebook Community Boost bolsters its commitment in helping MSMEs and communities grow with free and easy-to-use Facebook tools and digital skills training. This was kicked off at Radisson Blu in Cebu City last September 11, 2019.
The activity was conducted with the support of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Entrepreneurs looking to get their startup business ideas off the ground, and existing local businesses and nonprofits alike, also participated in this digital skills event.
The event intends to help entrepreneurs reach their target audience with the resources necessary to keep up with the mobile-savvy Filipinos. It also gave us a better understanding of the privacy and safety tools on the Facebook platform.
John Rubio, Country Director of Facebook Philippines, shared:
“We’re constantly inspired by what small businesses have been able to achieve using tools on Facebook and our family of apps. We look forward to taking Facebook Community Boost events to four Philippine cities this year starting in Cebu and then in Dumaguete, Manila, and Davao. Our goal is to further support even more MSMEs and communities in their digital transformation journey.”
For those interested but were not able to attend the activity, a comprehensive description and information can be found on the Facebook Community Boost site.
What’s inside Facebook Community Boost?
The site assures users that it can help boost their skills and unlock their potential by providing them with the needed learning and development tools. So, whether you’re looking to grow your career, your business, or your community, Facebook Community Boost has the tools, programs, and events to help you succeed.
To give you an idea as to the resources available and for whom it is intended, I have highlighted interesting features below:
1. Business owners – provides free resources to sharpen your skills, grow your business or expand your network. This is found in the Facebook Blueprint which helps you build your business or marketing career with free online trainings in digital marketing. Short (5 minutes) online courses are offered such as “How to Create and Manage a Facebook Page for Your Business,” “A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Facebook Ads from Your Page,” among others.
2. Jobseekers – their training and networking are designed to help jumpstart or accelerate careers. These quick, free online courses highlight digital marketing and career-focused skills. It includes the importance of social media and how to pick the perfect social platform by matching social channels with business needs. Jobseekers are also given case studies, insider tips, and expert advice from industry experts and from the Facebook team. On top of that, they are also taught the necessary tips and tricks to land their dream job.
3. Community Leaders – leaders are provided with the required networking and mentorship to support their cause. If this is you, this will involve learning how to build your community by connecting with like-minded people. Useful resources are provided, such as reaching out to other similar groups through “Nonprofits on Facebook.” Tools to help fundraise and collect for your charity can be done using “Facebook Donations,” and you can find help during emergencies using their “Crisis Response” tool. They will also teach you how to rally people around your cause and ideas, by connecting with other local community leaders.
4. Developers – support is given to developers by providing the necessary programs, networks, and tech resources. If you are an aspiring developer, Facebook will help you build your skills to deploy across platforms to connect and share knowledge with fellow developers. You can also attend their local training and global tech conferences. The “Developer Circle” will help you get the resources to build and grow your startup.
5. Educators – Facebook also aims to enhance the digital skills of educators and their students. If you are an educator, you can upgrade your skills and curriculum for the digital economy using “Facebook Education.” You can find new technologies with “Engineer for the Week,” or improve your programming skills with “TechPrep.” Besides that, you can also join a movement to help gain recognition for your school with “InspirEd.”
According to Facebook, they have been training entrepreneurs across the Philippines with programs like #BoostYourBusiness and #SheMeansBusiness since 2017. Now with Facebook Community Boost, Facebook hopes to boost MSMEs and communities by developing their digital skills.
