48 entrepreneurs from Central Visayas graduate from DTI-led online mentorship program

In Central Visayas, a total of 48 entrepreneurs have graduated from the multi-sectoral batch of the Kapatid Mentor Micro Entrepreneurs-Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The virtual graduation on Friday saw the attendance of DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, PCE-Go Negosyo Joey Ma. Concepcion III, and the newly appointed regional director of DTI-7, Ma. Elena Arbon.

“Learning online may present a lot of challenges but we are proud to have graduated the enrolled mentees. We wish you not only to become successful entrepreneurs but job creators as well,” said Arbon.

Riezl Cabanero Chua, Baywalk Enterprises owner and a mom of two, was previously engaged in advertising, publication, and printing services but had to cease operations due to the pandemic. Her business has since reopened due to the easing of quarantine restrictions.

“With KMME, I have developed a wider perspective in business. I learned to be more aggressive in my goals, to be less complacent, and to be more of a visionary.

We take pride in the work that we do and we will continue to improvise and develop new business strategies and innovations. Our business was closed during the pandemic but we have managed to adapt by making face masks and face shields,” said Chua.

The 10-week program aims to produce confident entrepreneurs who are engaged in different types of businesses with both the right mindset and basic management skills to help them to sustain their enterprises within current conditions.

“My goal now is to fine-tune all our systems in the business like book-keeping, organizational structure, production processes, inventory system, and other existing roadblocks, and expand our network of production partners in preparation for planned biz expansion,” said Chua.

Chua is among thirteen graduates from Cebu.

There are thirteen more graduates from Bohol, fourteen from Negros Oriental, and eight from Siquijor who have completed the mentoring program since April.

DTI Cebu announced it is now accepting applicants for its sectoral batch of KMME Online set in July.

Owners or managers of businesses engaged in the tourism industry such as resorts, hotels, and accommodation, restaurants catering to tourists, and travel and tour agencies are invited to enroll and may register online until June 15 here.

This project is in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE)-Go Negosyo and Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

SOURCE: PNA