Recently Freelancer.com announced the launch of a dedicated regional website (www.freelancer.ph) with the objective to support small business owners, freelancers and entrepreneurs in the Philippines. Freelancer.com reported as of 2009, 99.60% of the business enterprise economy micro, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Many of these organisations require specific skill sets which may not be readily available in their immediate demographic. With the launch of the new site, businesses are now able to hire workers from the other side of the globe to enable their business or organisation to grow and support their local economy without having to relocate overseas to achieve entrepreneur success.

“The opportunity for Filipino entrepreneurs is booming online! Filipinos are already the fifth largest population on Freelancer.com, and the third largest freelancer community, and growing at a tremendous rate. Whether you have an idea to start a business and need to hire someone to help turn it into reality, or you’re an entrepreneur wanting to start a service business working as a freelancer online, there’s a huge opportunity.” Matt Barrie, Chief Executive of Freelancer.com.

Matt Barrie believes there’s huge potential in the Philippines. They’re internet consumption has been increasing exponentially between 2009 and 2010 from 8 million users to 30 million users and is the third highest internet consumer in Asia.

Freelancer.com reported SMEs in the Philippines have access to over 2.7 million verified professionals from over 400 different industries. Hiring professionals starts at PhP1,200 to an average around PhP8,000. Not only will the new site assist SMEs but it will also allow Pilipino professionals to tap into another income source by working as a freelancer or building a service providing company.

“As we increasingly localize www.freelancer.ph to suit the demands of Filipino SMEs and freelancers, there will be more and more opportunity build great businesses by going online,” Matt Barrie concludes.