26/10/2021
KAY & KIM's Tablea is delighted to be part of the DTI KMME-MME Program.
𝗖𝗘𝗕𝗨 – A new batch of 14 young entrepreneurs in Cebu is set to undergo the intensive business mentorship program under the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) – Money Market Encounter (MME).
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI Region 7 Central Visayas) with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), launched on Friday, 01 October, the third batch of the KMME-MME-Online in the region this year, via Zoom.
DTI Region 7 Director Ma. Elena Arbon said that the KMME-Online is a delivery mechanism to propel micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to survive and thrive in the new normal.
“The Philippines has a predominantly young population, thus tech savvy. This is your time and your world (young entrepreneurs), so take advantage of it. The country needs modern, current, stable and sustainable businesses for the economy to prosper,” she added.
Participants of the online program called ‘mentees’ under the youth sector (aged 18-35 years old) are owners, co-owners and managers of various businesses such as food, tourism, manufacturing and trading.
Herblend Wellness Hub proprietor and wellness coach Mitos Tuico ended her 6-year employment and started her own business in 2017.
“Doing business is about taking risks. Our first food service business failed and we utilized our retained assets to start a new one in 2018, but it was also stopped during the pandemic,” said Tuico.
Now engaged in in plant based-meal replacements and food supplements, Tuico aims to hone her skills in sales, marketing and financial accounting/management.
“The wellness industry was ‘in’ during the pandemic. But the most challenging part is attracting customers, especially the locals and our neighbors. That’s what I want to improve during the KMME-Online among others,” she added.
Bibi Doll Pono, owner of GRND UP Consumer Goods Trading, also expressed her excitement towards the learning program.
“I have always considered myself as a work-in-progress. Learning from the experts made me motivated and that fueled my passion to enroll,” said Pono.
Pono started her trading business during the pandemic, selling chorizo, pastries, cakes and other bottled products. In February 2021, she has sold 16,000 packs of chorizo alone.
“In three years’ time, with ample knowledge and experience, I want to employ more people, support local farmers. I want to give others the opportunity that was not given to me throughout the years,” said Pono.
Pono said that she was rejected with help when she was still starting the venture.
Tuico and Pono are among the 14 mentees from Cebu that will undergo the 10-week online program.
The batch is also comprised of 14 MSMEs from Bohol, 14 from Negros Oriental and 6 from Siquijor.
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗞𝗠𝗠𝗘-𝗠𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀
Narcisa Barba Godinez - All Milk Tea
Bibi Doll Paradela Pono - GRND UP Consumer Goods Trading
Ronnie Amestad Hingco Jr. - Morning Star Eatery
Earl Norman Vincent Peña Cairo - Wendears Cake & Pastry Shop
Lou Marie Dagasdas Alvarez - Alberto’s Pizza Pusok
Kimberly Anne Rojo Dela Cerna - Milk & Beyond
Michael Angelo Mariquit Pasaol - WPasaol Beach Resort
Kayla Sumalpong Daydayan - KAY & KIM's Tablea
Jumelyn Fernandez Calo - Calo Wood Products
Lyca Binoya Pizaña - ACF-J CREATION
Mitos Tagalog Tuico - Herblend Wellness Hub
Arcile S. Padrigao - Cebu Cosmetology and Hair Institute
Elberto Famor Entrevencion Jr. - EFE Industrial Solutions INC.
Jeffrey Tampos Pepito - Wythlae Baking Ingredients and Milk Tea Supplies
The program is an initiative of the DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) - Go Negosyo to help the country’s MSMEs through capacity-building activities and inspire them to adopt smarter business strategies.
The program includes 10 modules, which will culminate with each participant’s Business Improvement Plan presentation to a panel of coaches where they will be asked about their knowledge on the market, their revenue streams, unique value proposition, and vision for their enterprise. (DTI Cebu/PR)
