THE provincial launching of the Kapatid Mentor ME (micro and small entrepreneurs) program proved to be a success with over 900 participants attending in Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga del Norte.
Majority of the participants are micro and small entrepreneurs (MSEs).
The Kapatid Mentor ME Program is a partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Go Negosyo Foundation headed by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion based on the government’s private-public partnership.
Its concept is for big businesses to help MSEs enhance and grow their businesses through mentoring and coaching and involve them in the value chain for inclusive economic growth.
DTI Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain Tuesday said the Kapatid Mentor ME program differs from the usual mentoring being done by the agency as this time the mentors are established entrepreneurs themselves.
“What’s good with this program is that your mentors are your fellow entrepreneurs. Sharing not just their expertise, but also their experiences, exposure, failures, and success, with the ‘angelpreneurs’ from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, and the local mentors hand-holding you, ensuring that you will improve and up-scale your operation,” Jain said.
The launching was held last week, starting in Zamboanga Sibugay with 301 participants, then Zamboanga del Sur with 300 participants, and Zamboanga del Norte with 346 participants.
Aside from MSEs, a sizable number of local government representatives were also present.
Jain said the participation and involvement of local government units (LGUs) is vital in the success of the program.
“Our LGUs and DTI, through our Negosyo Centers will be at the forefront of assisting our existing and would-be entrepreneurs. By the end of 2018, we hope to have established Negosyo Centers in all the 67 municipalities and five cities in the region,” Jain said.
The provincial offices of the DTI have also identified local businessmen as mentors to help mentees in their businesses.
Mentees were also identified where they will undergo 12 weeks of coaching and mentoring working on 11 modules focused on: instilling entrepreneurial mindset among participants, marketing and market trends, operations management, human resource management, supply and value chain, financial management, among others. (Bong Garcia/VoxPop Philippines)