CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Northern Mindanao launched the first batch of Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program for this year with 109 entrepreneurs preselected to join the 10-module business seminar.
In partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) — Go Negosyo, the KMME Program aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) improve their businesses through weekly coaching and mentoring by business owners and practitioners who are experts in different functional areas of entrepreneurship.
DTI Regional Director Linda Boniao apprised the MSMEs that despite the big expense for this project, DTI is willing to support the program because of the equally bigger contribution of MSMEs. She encouraged the mentees not to skip the modules as KMME is intended to scale up their businesses.
“DTI is in the business of empowering consumers and enabling businesses to be competitive not only in the local but also in international or global scenario.” Boniao said. “We want you to go beyond your borders, not only for the sales but also for the employment that you provide in our communities.”
The launching included discussions on the first two modules of the program.
Module 1 focused on entrepreneurial mindsetting and values deepening discussed by PCE angelpreneur or mentor Ruben Lanot II. Lanot shared that creating a business is like creating an ecosystem where more businesses means more employment, leading to more income to families and capacitating them to buy the products and services offered by the businesses.
On the other hand, fellow angelpreneur and brother, John Paul Lanot, emphasized the need to define the target market of a business and properly communicate to the market in the Module 2 discussion on marketing mindset.
An inspirational forum followed where KMME graduates from previous batches shared their learnings after taking the KMME modules.
Melvin Fabello of Kape Higala in Misamis Oriental shared that he was able to change his mindset from the corporate world to the right mindset for a single proprietor. This after he ventured into business after his early retirement from his corporate job.
Julieto Mendoza of Purple Yam Homemade Cakes and Pastries in Misamis Occidental was able to mold people by providing employment for out-of-school youth in his community.
Meanwhile, Paula Chiong of Mama Nene’s Homemade Food Products in Bukidnon realized that her product has the potential in entering the international market.
She is currently finalizing her permits to export her products.
The KMME Program was launched March 4, at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, here. It was attended by graduates of previous KMME batches, representatives from provincial MSME development councils, government agencies, and personnel of the DTI regional and provincial offices. (DTI10/PIA10)
