In its thrust to raise the quality of life of Caviteños and contribute to the nation’s economic progress, the provincial government of Cavite thru the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Cavite), and the Cavite Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (CaSMEDC), conducted the Cavite Business Expo 2019 on June 21, 2019 at the Tagaytay International Convention Center in Tagaytay City.
Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya of DTI-IV-A, Regional Operations Group led the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the business expo, trade fair and exhibit. Usec. Maglaya was joined by DTI-Cavite Director Noly Guevara, PCLEDO Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khervy Reyes, Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs Mr. Alvin Mojica, DTI-Cavite Business Development Division Chief Revelyn Cortez and PCLEDO Entrep Division Head Ms. Liza Gabatan.
Entrepreneurs in Cavite who gathered for one of the biggest affairs to capacitate them under the banner “Future-Proof MSMEs: Converging Stakeholder for Inclusive Growth” were welcomed by Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs Mr. Alvin Mojica who also delivered an inspiring message on behalf of Governor Boying Remulla.
Meanwhile, in her keynote speech, Usec. Maglaya told Caviteños how fortunate they are to have a total of 24 DTI Negosyo Centers in the province to assist MSMEs and would-be entrepreneurs. She also disclosed that the agency is also preparing to put up same centers in the barangay level and bring free services closer to those interested in starting their own business. Usec. Maglaya was proud to know that Director Guevara has already committed to start right away, targeting around 35 barangays as pilot for the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay program.
The program continued with the overview of the activity by PCLEDO Entrepreneurial Division Head, Ms. Liza Gabatan and with the presentation of the BIZ iCreate graduates to further motivate participants to pursue their dreams. The BIZ iCREATE stands for Cavite Responsible Entrepreneurs Aiming Toward Economic Sustainability, a progressive training designed to reach out to entrepreneurs and cultivate in them the proper mindset for ease of managing business.
Among the resource speakers who helped PCLEDO and the provincial government capacitate entrepreneurs and improve their business skills were Mr. Joey Espiritu, Owner of Tent King, Manang A’s Catering, Forrent and Food Chow; Mr. Johner Fernandez, President and CEO of Life with A Plus Learning Resources Inc. and JE Fernandez Publishing House, plus representatives from Pinoy Biznet-Cyber Optimus Philippines, Inc.; First Circle Financial Technologies, Union Bank Global Linker, ROC.ph and PNB Bayad Connect. Everyone provided useful tips to expand business opportunities while sharing true success stories of each business.
Participants were moved by the story of Mr. Joey Espiritu who started in the industry as a small entrepreneur doing decorative balloon-making business for party needs and different occasion. Mr. Espiritu shared some guidelines on how to identify business opportunities, saying that for every problem, the mind of entrepreneurs always work best, being able to think of creative ways on how to turn problems into profit. He cited wedding as the best example where various suppliers can enter into, such as food catering, bridal cars, tables and chairs, flowers, souvenirs, hair and makeup, lights and sounds, tents, fireworks, and many other needs and demands of couples.
In addition to the opportunities and trends, Mr. Johner Fernandez provided some of the best marketing practices that can help boost the business. He discussed the proper mindset entrepreneurs must possess in order to keep up with the global economy. Mr. Fernandez also highlighted different stages in business proven to be effective in its management, including the Set-up Stage for Birth Plan, Start-up for Business Plan and Step-up for the Boost Plan. He advised participants to be patient and understand the principles every entrepreneur need to undertake.
Words of challenge from PCPC Chairman Emeritus Rodrigo “Ka Rodring” Camia and DTI-Cavite Director Noly Guevara also made an impact to the participants. A message of appreciation to resource speakers who provided the how’s of entrepreneurship, as well as to the participants, guests and exhibitors who contributed to the success of the 2019 Cavite Business Expo by Atty. Khervy Reyes concluded the event.
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